Assessment of hematological parameters of petrol filling workers at petrol stations in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Petrol is the non-specific term for petroleum which is used for inside combustion of engines. Petrol filling workers are highly vulnerable to occupational exposure to these harmful substances which lead to hematotoxicity and blood disorders such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, and dysplastic bone marrow. Thus, this study was aimed to assess hematological parameters of petrol filling workers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2019 in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 110 study participants comprising 55 study groups and 55 controls group were recruited by a convenient sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and 3 ml of venous blood was collected for the determination of hematological parameters. The data were entered into Epi info 7.2.0.1 and analyzed by SPSS version of 20. Mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile ranges were used to present the data. Independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the mean or median difference between parametric and non-parametric hematological parameters, respectively. Moreover, Pearson product-moment and Spearman's rank-order bivariable correlations analyses were used to describe the correlation between hematological parameters and duration of exposure to petrol. A P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that mean red blood cell count and hemoglobin level as well as the median hematocrit, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, absolute lymphocytes count, and red cell distribution width values of petrol filling workers showed a significant increment compared with the control group. On the other hand, the mean cell hemoglobin value of petrol filling workers showed a significant decrement compared with healthy controls. Moreover, the duration of exposure to petrol showed a significant positive correlation with red blood cell count and mean cell hemoglobin concentration; however, a significant negative correlation was observed with mean cell volume.

The association of three DNA repair genes polymorphisms on the frequency of chromosomal alterations detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization

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Occupational fatigue and health of gas station workers: A review

“…When job demands overload the abilities and coping skills of workers, they become a risk factor, generating stress and other health problems [15]. Workers must fulfil certain job demands and complete repetitive and mundane daily tasks in a fast-paced and dangerous work environment [16,17], which often lead to high-workload fatigue and job burnout.…”

“…Protective equipment such as masks, gloves, goggles, and uniforms are required to reduce the intensity of exposure and prevent occupational exposure [34]. This can easily lead to workplace accidents and health problems if workers are regularly exposed to organic solvents without adequate protection [17]. Workers may experience anxiety and insecurity as a result of their low job security, which lead to negative emotions and affect their well-being.…”

Tumors due to chronic exposure to benzene and biomarkers of exposure

“…Regular blood tests are already in use for BTEX-exposed workers, as even low levels of benzene exposure may lead to white blood cells (lymphocyte and B cells) as well as granulocyte suppression [11] . Such abnormalities in the blood of gas station workers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia [12] have been reported.…”