Effect of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on inflammatory response in gas station attendant.

Abstract

IntroductionVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) exposition causes multiple chemical sensitivity reactions in human. The exposures of human to VOC environments are associated with an enhanced inflammatory response. The occupational exposures of VOCs and inflammatory responses in gas station attendant not have been reported.AimEvaluate the inflammatory markers plasma concentrations in gas station attendants.Materials and Methods20 gas station attendants who are occupational exposed to high VOC levels (VOC group), and 16 controls individuals (CT group) who are not occupational exposed to VOC. Serum inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), were measured by flow cytometry using the Human Inflammation Kit BD Cytometric Bead Array (CBA).ResultsIndividuals were 20 to 70 years of age, and those on VOC group had a mean of 12 years working at gas station. Multivariate linear regression model showed that VOCs exposure influenced significantly IL‐12 plasma concentration in gas station attendants (Coef. 1170.44; p=0.007) adjusted to age and smoking. To confirm that result, the IL‐12 concentration was significantly higher on VOC group (1609±250) than CT (720±247; p=0.018).ConclusionOur findings show that occupational exposed to VOC from gas stations are associated with increased levels of inflammation marker related to cytotoxic response, which may be related to reactions to chemicals in human.