Occupational exposure of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) to pump attendants in Ghana: Implications for policy guidance

Francis Atta Kuranchie,Prosper Naah Angnunavuri,Esi Nana Nerquaye-Tetteh,Francis Attiogbe,Geun Young Yun

doi:10.1080/23311843.2019.1603418

Abstract

Gasoline plays an important role as fuel for engines, but its use is replete with a high probability of adverse health to persons along the distribution chain, especially pump attendants. This stud...

Highlights

Petrochemical industries, including pump stations, provide an exposure scenario that increases the vulnerability of front line staff to gasoline-related ill-health (Azari et al, 2012)
Gasoline plays an important role as fuel for engines, but its use is replete with a high probability of adverse health to persons along the distribution chain, especially pump attendants
This study has reviewed the literature on gasoline exposure and its associated risks on pump attendants by benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and xylene (BTEX) to call for favourable policy in Ghana

Summary

Introduction

Petrochemical industries, including pump stations, provide an exposure scenario that increases the vulnerability of front line staff to gasoline-related ill-health (Azari et al, 2012). All BTEX compounds are neurotoxins and irritants (Chinwenwa, 2012); IARC considers benzene and ethyl benzene as assured Class 1A and probable human carcinogens, respectively (Åkerström, Johannesson, Bergemalm-Rynell, & Bo Strandberg, 2006; Chaudhary & Kumar, 2012; IARC Monographs, 2015). As the auto and fuel industries look for alternative sources of octane, the impacts of BTEX compounds on both health and the environment need to be considered in the face of these adverse findings against them

Methods

Results

Conclusion