ADVERSE EFFECTS OF BENZENE EXPOSURE ON HEMATOLOGICAL AND HEPATIC BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF PETROL FILLING WORKERS IN WADI AL-HAYAH, LIBYA
Apoajela A. Ahmed*, Waled Alsalmi, Aboubaker A. Elhadi and Monder M. Almarabet
ABSTRACT
Benzene exposure is known to affect many critical organs including the hematological and hepatic functions promoting various and dangerous health problems. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the hematological and hepatic function profiles among petrol filling workers in petrol stations located in Wadialhayah, southwest Libya. Second objective was to investigate the extent changes of hematological and hepatic biochemical parameters in accordance to the period of benzene exposure. A total of 92 adult male subjects whose ages ranged between 20-45 years were included in this study, 46 of petrol filling workers (benzene exposed group) and 46 subjects (benzene unexposed group) as a control group. Both groups were matched in ages and gender. All the results were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20 for applying one way ANOVA test. The mean age of petrol filling workers (benzene exposed group) and non exposed group were 34.36 7.26 and 33.80 7.02 years, respectively. Length of work duration for exposed group was 7.50 1.56 years. Significant decrease in the levels of RBCs, Hb, HCT, MCH, total protein and serum albumin among benzene exposed group as compared to unexposed group while MCV levels were almost the same and were not significant for both groups. On the other hand, WBCs, platelets, SGPT and SGOT levels were significantly increased among benzene exposed group as compared to unexposed group. Moreover, significant changes of hematological and hepatic biochemical parameters caused by prolonged benzene exposure. It is concluded that benzene exposure has serious health effects on hematopoietic system and hepatic functions leading to suppressed bone marrow. Moreover, long term benzene exposure causes more alterations in hematological and hepatic parameters.
Keywords: hematological parameters, hepatic parameters, benzene exposure and petrol stations.
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