Occupational Exposure to Benzene and Changes in Hematological Parameters in East Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Background and Objective: Occupational exposure to the high levels of benzene and its metabolites causes many serious health hazards to petrol station workers. However, there is the biological effect of benzene metabolites on the hematopoietic system has been known for over a century. This study was designed to analyze effects of chemical exposure on hematological parameters profile among workers at filling stations and compared them with office’s workers in east Tripoli city/Libya. Methods: 31 blood samples (exposed group) and another 31 blood samples (unexposed to benzene) were collected from petrol stations. Full analysis of blood picture was performed using fully automated hematology analyzer. Results: Benzene exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of WBC (×10(3) per μL) count (7.8 ± 2.5 versus 6.5 ± 1.3, P = 0.007) and platelet (×10(3) per μL) count (282.2 ± 126.6 versus 221.9 ± 44.7, P = 0.006) compared with the unexposed subjects. While mean Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin, Hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels were significantly lower in petrol station workers than the comparison group. Conclusion: Our results found that occupational exposure to benzene caused significant alterations in hematological parameters indicating that these petrol stations workers may be at a higher risk of developing blood related disorders. Therefore, workers should be protected from exposure to benzene by wearing protective devices and given attention at periodic medical examination.