ABSTRACT

 

Background

Gas stations are major source of air pollution in modern and urban areas, and can induce serious health effects on the population especially whom are exposed for long time to chemicals it produce. Gas station workers are considered a high risk population due to their continuous occupational exposure where there might be negative impact on their respiratory system. Thus, this pilot study aims to determine the respiratory health indicators and hematological indices among workers in gas station in West Bank-Palestine.

 

Methods

A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in West Bank using convenience sampling method. Forced spirometry was used to measure the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), the FEV1/FVC ratios and prevalence of restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. Moreover, some hematological indices were measured. Demographic characteristics were also gathered. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software.

Results

 

 Thirty non-smokers adult males working as petrol pump workers for more than 2 years were considered as the study group. Thirty matched healthy males of the institute served as the controls. Significant reduction was seen in the FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec), FVC (forced vital capacity) in petrol pump workers who were exposed to more than 2 years. On the other hand,  Mean Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin level, and Hematocrit (HCT) level were significantly lower in petrol station attendants than the comparison control group.

Interpretation

In this study, we found that gas station workers who were exposed to petrol suffered from a variety of diseases that pose a serious risk to their health, mainly on the respiratory system and on blood. Training of gas station workers on the use of proper personal protective equipment should be encouraged. Further studies regarding the role of occupational exposure to certain types of chemicals and associated respiratory health effects would be worthwhile.

Conference Title

The Lancet Palestinian Health Alliance (LPHA) Tenth Annual Conference

Conference Country

Jordan

Conference Date

March 27, 2019 - March 28, 2019

Conference Sponsor

LANCET UK

Additional Info

Conference Website