Insight into hematological parameters of petrol station workers

N.K. Binsaleh, R. Eltayeb, E.M. Bashir, H.M.E. Idris, M.M. Althobiti, H.G. Ahmed, M.W.A. Khan, H. Qanash

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. n.binsaleh@uoh.edu.sa

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• Hematology

OBJECTIVE: Benzene is one of the major carcinogenic factors that can affect liver, kidneys, and lungs. Chronic inhalation of benzene vapor by petrol stations workers has been shown to have an impact on hematological parameters; thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of benzene exposure on petrol station workers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study involved 99 participants, 50 of whom have been exposed to benzene and 49 of whom have not (control). A 5 ml blood sample in an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant tube was collected from each subject, and a complete blood count test was used to test hematological parameters.

RESULTS: The current study showed a significant decrease in red blood cells, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin in the exposed group compared to the control group. However, the amount of white blood cells was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in the exposed group compared to the control group. Notably, there was no significant difference in platelet counts between the two groups. In terms of exposure time, subjects who have been exposed to benzene for more than a year and fewer than 10 years showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in RBCs indices and a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in WBCs compared to those in the control group

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the findings indicated that significant differences in hematological parameters were found in workers who were exposed to benzene compared to those who had not been exposed.

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