Factors influencing the hematological parameters among laborers at a gas service station in Rayong Province, Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the factors that influenced the hematological parameters among gasoline station service workers. The sample comprised a total of 200 people split between those working at a fuel dispenser and those working outside the fuel dispenser. Interview forms, urine sample collection devices, and blood analysis samples were used to analyze Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene (BTEX) metabolites and hematological parameters. The study showed that the employees had been exposed to metabolites of benzene (t,t-MA) exceeding the standard, which was 29.5 percent. The metabolites of toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were all within the standard limit. Information concerning hematology found that MCV was below the standard level, which was 37.5 percent, while the mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and hematocrit (HCT) were also below the standard limit (36.5 and 32.0 percent, respectively). The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors influencing hematology parameters were statistically significant (p<0.05). Affected females were reported as having abnormal MCH (OR=2.94; 95% CI=1.58, 5, 47), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (OR=2.68; 95% CI= 1.03, 6.98) and red cell distribution width (RDW) (OR=2.16; 95% CI=1.04, 4.49). Body mass index (BMI) affected MCH (OR=1.86; 95% CI=1.03, 3.35) and MCHC (OR=1.89; 95%CI=1.04, 3.43). Gasohol refueling affected red blood cells (RBC) (OR=2.35; 95% CI=1.19, 4.67) and hemoglobin (HB) (OR=1.95; 95% CI =1.01, 3.79). White blood cell count (WBC) was also affected by the refueling of more than 11 vans per day (OR=3.59; 95% CI=1.25, 12.48). In conclusion, personal factors as well as employment at gas stations put workers at risk for RBC, HB, and WBC abnormalities. This study identified groups of workers who were at high risk of hematology effects, particularly female workers and those with a BMI greater than the average. Furthermore, gasohol refueling should be carried out carefully to minimize any potentially negative effects on the blood system when exposed to vapors.