Possible health effects of liquefied petroleum gas on workers at filling and distribution stations of Gaza governorates

Abstract

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is widely used in the Gaza Strip for domestic purposes, in agriculture and industry and, illegally, in cars. This study aimed to identify possible health effects on workers exposed to LPG in Gaza governorates. Data were collected by a questionnaire interview, and haematological and biochemical analyses of venous blood samples were made from 30 workers at filling and distribution stations and 30 apparently healthy controls. Statistically significant differences were found in all self-reported healthrelated complaints among LPG workers versus controls. LPG workers had significantly higher values of red blood cell counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit mean corpuscular haemoglobin and platelet counts. They also had significantly higher values of kidney function tests (urea, creatinine and uric acid) and liver function enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). LPG workers at Gaza Strip petroleum stations are at higher risk for health-related symptoms and clinical abnormalities. ‫األالنني).‬ ‫أمني‬ ‫وناقلة‬ ‫االسبارتات،‬ ‫أمني‬ ‫(ناقلة‬ ‫الكبد‬ ‫الصحية.‬ ‫واالضطرابات‬ ‫الصحية‬ ‫للمتالزمات‬ ‫أكرب‬ ‫الختطار‬Effets potentiels du gaz de pétrole liquéfié sur la santé des employés des stations-service dans les gouvernorats de Gaza RÉSUMÉ L'utilisation du gaz de pétrole liquéfié (GPL) est très répandue dans la Bande de Gaza pour des usages domestiques, en agriculture et dans l'industrie mais aussi illégalement pour les voitures. La présente étude visait à identifier les effets potentiels du GPL sur la santé des employés exposés dans les gouvernorats de Gaza. Des données ont été recueillies par questionnaire au cours d'entretiens. Des échantillons de sang veineux ont été prélevés auprès de 30 employés de stations-service et de 30 témoins en bonne santé apparente à des fins d'analyses hématologiques et biochimiques. Des différences statistiquement significatives ont été observées dans tous les résultats des employés de stations-service de GPL ayant autodéclaré des problèmes de santé par rapport aux résultats d'analyses des témoins. Les employés exposés au GPL présentaient des valeurs nettement supérieures pour la numération érythrocytaire, l'hémoglobine, l'hématocrite, la teneur corpusculaire moyenne en hémoglobine et la numération plaquettaire. Les résultats de leur bilan de la fonction rénale (urée, créatinine, et acide urique) et de leur bilan de l'activité fonctionnelle des enzymes hépatiques (aspartate aminotransférase et alanine aminotransférase) étaient aussi nettement plus élevés. Les employés des stations-service de la Bande de Gaza exposés au gaz de pétrole liquéfié courent un risque plus élevé de présenter des symptômes liés à la santé et des anomalies cliniques.

Recent advances in occupational and environmental health hazards of workers exposed to gasoline compounds

“…Sirdah et al [190] also found significantly more complaints of eye itches, redness, and pain among workers at liquefied petroleum gas stations in the Gaza governorate. Therefore, gasoline station workers may be exposed to a higher risk of visual impairment.…”

“…Sirdah et al [190] reported a higher prevalence of skin redness, rashes, and itching that gasoline, either on its own or mixed with certain nonimmunotoxic additives (e.g., t-amyl methyl ether (TAME), and t-butyl alcohol (TBA)) did not adversely affect the humoral immune response of the test animals; however, when mixed with some immunotoxic agents, such as ethanol (EtOH) [173,174], ethyl t-butyl ether (ETBE), and diisopropyl ether (DIPE), suppressed humoral responses. Gasoline immunotoxicity may indeed be influenced by additive immunotoxins, particularly when present at a high concentration or upon prolonged exposure.…”

LPG Dependence after a Suicide Attempt

“…According to a study on LPG workers, it was determined that red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, platelet count, kidney function tests (urea, uric acid, and creatinine), and liver function tests (AST, ALT) are all significantly higher in the LPG group compared to the control group. It was found that self-reported health-related complaints among LPG workers were higher compared to healthy controls [ 11 ]. Fortunately, there were no pathologic findings in the hematologic and biochemical tests of our patient.…”

Study of Dispersion Hazard Potential of The LPG Stations Around the RDE Site in Rainy and Dry Season

“…LPG can cause frostbite and irritation if contact with eyes or skin. Exposure to high amounts of LPG in the environment, can reduce the amount of oxygen in the air, causing weakness in humans around with symptoms of headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting [16]. Minimum oxygen levels in air are 19.5% by volume.…”

“…Long-term gas exposure can cause thirst, lethargy, fatigue, weight loss, central nervous system damage, nosebleeds, rhinitis, halitosis, ulceration of the mouth and nose, conjunctivitis, anorexia [18]. Publications in 1996 and 2004 also reported the occurrence of sudden deaths due to LPG inhalation, which shows that the liver and kidneys were among the major organs where high concentrations of LPG accumulated [16]. Two mechanisms to be considered for death after LPG inhalation are asphyxia and depress central nervous system [19].…”