Pump Attendants Research Articles

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

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...

Effect of Benzene Exposure on the Urinary Biomarkers of Nucleic Acid Oxidation in Two Cohorts of Gasoline Pump Attendants.

(1) Background: The oxidized guanine derivatives excreted into urine, products of DNA and RNA oxidation and repair, are used as biomarkers of oxidative damage in humans. This study aims to evaluate oxidative damage in gasoline pump attendants occupationally exposed to benzene. Benzene is contained in the gasoline but it is also produced from traffic and from smoking. (2) Methods: Twenty-nine gasoline pump attendants from two major cities of Saudi Arabia and 102 from Italy were studied for urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo), and S-phenyl-mercapturic acid (SPMA) for benzene exposure and urinary cotinine for smoking status assessment by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Airborne benzene was also assessed in the Italian group by gas-chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). (3) Results: The results suggest that high levels of benzene exposure can cause an accumulation of SPMA and bring about the formation of the oxidation biomarkers studied to saturation. At low exposure levels, SPMA and oxidation biomarker levels were correlated among them and were associated with the smoking habit. (4) Conclusions: The study confirms the association between benzene exposure and the excretion of nucleic acid oxidation biomarkers and enhances the importance of measuring the smoking habit, as it can significantly influence oxidative damage, especially when the exposure levels are low.

Sound Pollution Effect on Motor Drivers and Auto-Mechanics Using the 7D Sensitivity Index Model

This study developed a 7D impact model for the purpose of examining peoples’ perception of noise intensity from selected occupational groups, using the Junior secondary school students as the base line model. It structured “20-29dBA as dictable” “30-49dBA Distinctive” “50-69dBA Disturebing” 70-79dBA deterring” “80-89dBA Destructive and “110-160dBA Devastating” Levels. A hypersonic disco set was used to generate these noise level at Ologbu hall N04053139.9 E0060 54037.71 and discovered that the taxi drivers, mechanics and pump attendants at the filling stations are the most vulnerable to noise impacts. Sixty volunteer participants were randomly selected 10 each to cover market women, taxi drivers, Road side Mechanics, Sciences and Engineering workshop. Staff, University and Secondary School Students. The results were tabulated and the analysis showed high correlation in the group response which validated the model using Pearson Correlation. The discrimination in the group response measure of hearing loss or threshold shift particularly at the detectable level. While the correlation at the destructive, devastating levels are indicative that all the groups appreciate the impact at higher level of noise, irrespective of the initial threshold shift which is the hearing loses. The study bench shift between the 0dBA to 110dBA is found to be 10dBA at + 5 for the taxi drivers, mechanics and pump attendants possible due to indiscriminate horning, electronic sources and traffic.

Risk Assessment for Hydrocarbon Fuel Storage and Handling Facilities at Gaili Area, Khartoum North-Sudan

This study focused on evaluating the concepts of risk assessment associated with unsafe acts according to hazard identification at Gaili Area, Khartoum North, Sudan. Approaches used in this study; Research tools: Interviews, definite questionnaire & computer program for descriptive statistics – statistical package for social science (SSPS/version 22 – 2014). The study of risk assessment is conducted for workers in fuel terminals at Gaili area and analyzed using environmental health and safety concepts for eight jobs. Risk is associated with Job (driver, electrician, pump attendant, etc.), after hazards to be identified (natural, environmental, technological, biochemical, etc.). Fuel truck drivers at Gaili area showed the most highly risk job. The result showed that 60% of the incidents were caused by the hydrocarbon fuel transport drivers at the study area as the most highly risk job, followed by the electricians being the most affected job by electrical shocks during working hours followed by the pump attendants then welders followed by mechanics; including fatalities, restricted work activities, injuries, first aid and property damage. The study recommended to formulate of temporary committees such as autumn committee is not efficient in solving the problem, HSE steering committee should be a permanent committee to direct the emergency planning according to risk based assessment for identified hazards.

Biomonitoring Study on Workers Occupationally Exposed to Automobile Fuels

Petrol products remain unavoidable environmental pollutants as well as serious health hazards. Hence, the present study was undertaken amongst 70 petrol pump attendants and 70 Control subjects to e...

Correlate of safety measures of oil marketing companies and safety behaviours of fuel station attendants in Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis

Workers of fuel retail industry are exposed to many hazards as result of their job and behaviors. Management’s safety practices are important workplace preventive measures to reducing health and safety hazards. The purpose of this study was to explore the level of safety behaviors among pump attendants and the relationship between attendants’ safety behaviors and safety measures of the companies in the Sekondi-Takoradi. This survey involved 114 pump attendants from four purposively sampled oil marketing companies. Researcher generated questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency reliability of .81 was used to collect data, using SPSS version 16.0 with Pearson correlation as statistical tool. The results indicated that 70% of the respondents disagreed they sometimes ignore safety rules to get their work done quickly, while 86.8% disagreed they sometimes intentionally allow fuel to touch their body. Also, as 60% of the participants agreed they always change into house dresses after work, 78% agreed they always observe safety rules at their stations. Pearson bivariate correlation analysis showed that safety policy enforcement positively correlated moderately (r = 0.6) with attendants’ safety behavior while a low positive relationship was observed between personal protective equipment and safety behaviors of the attendants. The fuel attendants performed their jobs with high sense of safety. Furthermore, provision of appropriate workplace safety measures has positive relationship with the safety behaviors of the participants. Hence, instituting worksite safety policy and enforcing them will positively promote safe work performance among the attendants.

Health and safety in high-risk work environments: A study of fuel service stations in Ghana

Aim: This descriptive study was conducted to assess the health and safety standards, occupational hazards and health problems among pump attendants in Fuel Service Stations (FSS) in Ghana. Methods: Data was collected using structured questionnaires and an observation check-list. A total of 145 pump attendants and 50 FSS managers were randomly sampled from 90 FSS in the Kumasi Metropolis. Fisher's exact test at 5% significance level and binary logistic regression were conducted to test association among study parameters using SPSS 17.0. Results: The top three occupational hazards were exposure to extreme weather conditions (99%); inhalation of vehicle exhaust fumes and petrol vapour (98%) and fire outbreaks (88%). Common illnesses experienced by pump attendants are all work-related and were dominated by musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] (n=141), low-back pain [LBP] (n=81), headaches (62) and dizziness (n = 36). Logistic regression using age, sex and work experience as risk factors for MSDs, LBPs and headaches showed significant association between LBP and age of pump attendants (p = 0.036; 95% CI = 0.16-0.94) whilst MSDs and headaches showed no significant association with the risk factors. Post-employment medical examination habits was poor (22%) among the attendants possibly owing to ignorance of the health risks and the fact that the related costs are self-borne. Although all stations had fire fighting equipment training in their usage was highly associated with work experience of pump attendants; most newly employed attendants (

Evaluation and comparison of pulmonary function tests in petrol pump workers Vs individuals unexposed to petrol fumes

Background: Petrol pump attendants are the norm rather than self- service, increasing the opportunity for exposure to petrol fumes during refuelling. Long term exposure to petrol vapours has shown to affect the different physiological systems in the body with the highest impact on the respiratory system.The present study aims to evaluate and compare the combined effect of petrol fumes and automobile exhaust on pulmonary functions in petrol station attendants and normal unexposed subjects. Methods: The present study was conducted among 50 petrol pump workers working in refuelling areas and 51 individuals who were not occupationally exposed to petrol fumes. Demographic and anthropometric details were collected and pulmonary function tests were performed on both the groups. Results: : The mean age of the exposed and unexposed group was 27.48 ± 6.54 and 25.12 ±6.68 respectively. The present study involved 26 females (Exposed -11 and Unexposed-15) and 56 males (Exposed- 20 and Unexposed- 36).The mean BMI of the exposed and unexposed group was 22.14±3.04 and 23.86±4.93 respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to age and BMI. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) declined significantly (p < 0.005) in the exposed group when compared to the unexposed group. Conclusion: Periodic medical surveillance inclusive of pulmonary function testing should be insisted among petrol pump workers. In addition, the development of appropriate equipment for monitoring and testing for environmental elements in the community and in workers would prove to be beneficial. Key words: FEV1, PEFR and FVC, Petrol fumes, automobile exhaust.

An Investigation into the Occupational Exposure of Service Station Pump Attendants to Low Levels of Benzene Present in Gasoline Vapour during Refuelling

This study covers an investigation into occupational exposure to benzene emitted from gasoline during refuelling in Greater Georgetown. Pump attendants are particularly vulnerable as they are constantly exposed to gasoline vapour during their work day. Two mathematical models were used to determine a concentration of benzene to which gasoline pump attendants could potentially be exposed. Then the potential health implications of this exposure were examined. The benzene exposure concentrations were found to be 1.5mg/m3 and 0.4mg/m3 for Shell and Guyoil Service Stations respectively, which are within the permissible exposure limits set by the developed world (e.g. by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the United States of America and countries of the European Union). Due to certain limitations of this research, future research using more accurate methods is required to determine a general occupational exposure for all pump attendants in Greater Georgetown at any given time, and measures to reduce exposure should be considered.

Effects of Gasoline Inhalation on Menstrual Characteristics and the Hormonal Profile of Female Petrol Pump Workers

Increasing numbers of young women are employed as gasoline station attendants in most developing countries despite the lack of empirical data on the adverse reproductive health effect of this solvent. This study therefore sought to assess the effects of gasoline inhalation on the serum sex hormone profile and menstrual characteristics of female gasoline station attendants in Nigeria, given the global increase in the rate of infertility and the existing evidence on the reproductive toxicity of gasoline constituents. A site-by-site cross-sectional study of 117 female gasoline pump attendants and 118 age-matched controls was carried out between September 2011 and November 2012. The following 3 instruments were used for data collection: a semi-structured questionnaire, a female sex hormone profile assay and exposure status measures. The prevalence of menstrual disorders among the exposed and unexposed women was 37.2% and 28.5% respectively. Exposure to gasoline was significantly associated with disorders in both menstrual cycle length and quantity of flow. Specifically, exposed women had a greater than threefold increased risk of a menstrual disorder, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.25 for abnormal cycle length and OR of 4.16 for abnormal quantity of flow. In addition, longer duration of exposure (>1 year) was significantly associated with higher likelihood of menstrual disorders. There were also persistent low serum levels of estradiol, and fluctuating levels of other reproductive hormones. Gasoline inhalation may interfere with ovarian functions leading to disordered menstrual characteristics and female sex hormone profiles, as well as future reproductive impairment.

A SENSOR WEB MODEL AND WEB SERVICE FOR DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT

Population growth, energy demand, and climate change are placing an unprecedented strain on water resources, requiring a fundamental shift in how these resources are managed. Since water distribution systems are highly vulnerable to leakages, improper usage, incidents of contamination, accidental or purposeful intrusions, considerable attention is required for prompt action to save and optimum utilization of natural resource of drinking water. Due to spread out and remote locations of Water supply tanks and Pumps/ Valves, both the storage and availability of Water as well as distribution control are difficult. Dependence on Pump attendants makes a mockery of Supply system of this most critical commodity. An approach of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) application to do real- time data collection at the water supply sources such as water tanks , valves/outlets and etc., to obtain proper required parameters measuring to optimize water resource management . The Sensor Web is an emerging technology that promises to revolutionize the way water information is collected and disseminated. A Sensor Web is a group of interoperable web services, which all comply with a specific set of information models and interface specifications. The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is developing information models and service interface specifications for Sensor Web Enablement (SWE)

Cytome Assay of Buccal Epithelium for Bio-monitoring Genotoxic Assessment of Benzene Exposure among Petrol Pump Attendants

Petrol pump attendants are occupationally exposed to benzene through their contact with petrol vapor and engine exhaust. This study investigated the genotoxic effect associated with benzene exposure. Exfoliated buccal cells and urine samples were collected from 40 petrol pump attendants and 40 subjects as control group, their age and sex matched and they were not exposed to benzene. Further, these groups were classified into two subgroups: smokers and non- smokers. Cytogenetic study was carried out by cytome assay. To determine the benzene exposure, we have used metabolites of benzene such as phenol and trans, trans - muconic acid from urine. Frequencies of binucleated cells (P < 0.01), micronucleated cells (P < 0.01), bulging form nucleated cells (P < 0.01) and karyorrhectic cells (P < 0.01) were found to be significantly higher in petrol pump attendants than control individuals. Urinary mean phenol level (P < 0.01) and trans, trans - muconic acid levels (P < 0.01) were also found to be significantly high. Our study indicates that chronic and long term exposure of benzene can increase the genotoxic risk in petrol pump attendants.

Blood lead levels in the Kinshasa population: a pilot study

ObjectiveLeaded gasoline and lead paints are still in use in the Democratic Republic of Congo but data on blood lead levels in the general population are not available. We evaluated the Pb impregnation in children and adults (0 - 70 years old) in Kinshasa.MethodsBlood lead was measured by atomic absorption in a sample of 485 healthy people (268 men and 217 women) living in Kinshasa between May 2003 and June 2004.ResultsGeometric mean blood lead was 120 µg/L (95% CI: 115-125), with a higher concentration in men than in women (127 vs 114 µg/L, p = 0.01). Sixty-three percent of children aged less than 6 years old presented blood lead levels above the 100 µg threshold. In the adult population, occupations with a potential risk of exposure to gasoline (car mechanics or garage owners, taxi drivers, conveyors and gas pump attendants) were associated with an extra blood lead of about 65µg/L.ConclusionThis study indicates a relatively important Pb impregnation of the Kinshasa population. It demonstrates the existence of a major public health issue requiring corrective actions and the implementation of an appropriate regulation.

Occupational exposure to low levels of benzene: Biomarkers of exposure and nucleic acid oxidation and their modulation by polymorphic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes

This study investigated nucleic acid oxidation associated with exposure to benzene at low levels in 239 workers recruited among traffic policemen, taxi drivers and gasoline pump attendants of the city of Parma (Italy). Biomarkers of exposure, namely urinary t, t-muconic acid ( t, t-MA) and S-phenylmercapturic acid ( S-PMA), urinary cotinine, and urinary biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidation, namely 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Relevant polymorphisms of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase ( NQO1), glutathione S-transferases M1-1 ( GSTM1), T1-1 ( GSTT1), and A1 ( GSTA1) were characterized by polymerase chain reaction-based methods in a subgroup of subjects. Biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidation were correlated with each other ( r ≥ 0.32, p < 0.0001) and with exposure biomarkers ( r ≥ 0.28, p < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression models including age, sex and smoking habits as independent variables demonstrated that benzene exposure is associated with oxidation damage to nucleic acid, particularly to RNA ( p < 0.0001) and is modulated by the NQO1 polymorphism. The study confirmed a significant modulating effect of GSTM1 ( p = 0.010), GSTT1 ( p = 0.023) and GSTA1 ( p = 0.048) polymorphisms on S-PMA excretion, with a significant interaction between GSTM1 and both GSTT1 and GSTA1 ( p = 0.006 and p = 0.037, respectively).

Occupational benzene exposure from vehicular sources in India and its effect on hematology, lymphocyte subsets and platelet P-selectin expression

Benzene exposure from vehicular sources and its health impact are relatively unexplored in India. We have investigated in this study hematology and lymphocyte subsets of 25 petrol pump attendants, 25 automobile service station workers and 35 controls matched for age, sex and socioeconomic conditions. The participants were non-smoking males of Kolkata (former Calcutta) in eastern India. Compared with controls, the workers had 3.8- times more trans,trans-muconic acid in urine, suggesting higher level of benzene exposure. The exposed subjects had decreased erythrocyte, hemoglobin, lymphocyte and platelet levels, but increased neutrophil, band cells, RBC aniso-poikilocytosis and target cells. In addition, CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ cells were decreased by 37, 20 and 47% respectively, but CD 16+ 56+ NK cells were increased by 20%. P-selectin expression on platelet surface of the workers was significantly elevated (P < 0.05), indicating upregulation of platelet activity. In summary, the study revealed high level of benzene exposure from vehicular sources in India, and the exposed subjects had hematological and immunological alterations.

Evaluation of benzene exposure in petrol pump attendants and in mechanics by urinary trans, trans-muconic acid (t, t-MA) determination

Occupational exposure to benzene in petrol pump attendants and in mechanics was studied by examining the benzene content in both the air breathed and in the urinary metabolite trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA). Thirty petrol pump attendants and thirty mechanics (as exposed workers) and thirty adult male office workers (as non exposed workers) were involved in the study. Measures were taken at the begin and at the end of the working shifts. The benzene concentrations in the breathing air samples varied from 2 to 88 μg m-3, lower than the EU acceptable limit for occupational environment. The average urinary t,t-MA in the petrol pump attendants at the begin and at the end of the working shifts ranged between 133 ± 69 and 255 ± 174 μg g-1 creatinine and in the mechanics between 204 ± 139 and 300 ± 211 μg g-1 creatinine, respectively. In all the participants the mean levels of urinary t,t-MA at the end of the working shifts were significantly higher than those at the beginning. In the exposed workers mean levels of urinary t,t-MA were significantly higher than in those of the non-exposed workers. The influence of the smoking was demonstrated by the urinary t,t-MA levels in smoking non-exposed subjects.

Ambient Air Levels and Occupational Exposure to Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes in Northwestern Italy

The purpose of this study was to determine benzene, toluene, and xylenes air pollution in two cities in Italy (Biella and Torino) having different traffic intensities and to investigate whether new environmental conditions occurred consequent to the changes of gasoline composition in Europe during the last 20 yr. Furthermore, three types of urban occupational exposure (petrol pump attendants, traffic policemen, and municipal employees) to the same hydrocarbons were compared to verify three different expected levels of exposure. Results in Biella demonstrate a direct relationship between traffic density and level of human exposure to these pollutants. Air concentrations for benzene were 2.3 w g/m 3 in a suburban area having low traffic and 10.3 w g/m 3 in the central area having high traffic. The comparison to trend analysis recently carried out in Torino indicates it is possible to improve the situation in the central area of Biella by adopting the same traffic limitations imposed in Torino. Personal sampling devices demonstrated that only the petrol pump attendants show, by means of a multivariate analysis, statistically significant higher levels of benzene compared to the other two professional categories, in both winter and summer. Values found in the present study for petrol pump attendants were around 1 mg/m 3 . Environmental and occupational exposure to benzene, toluene, and xylenes could be largely lowered by adopting preventive measures including traffic restrictions, the reduction of aromatic chemical content in gasoline, and the recovery of gasoline vapors at petrol pump stations.

P3F159 - Dextran sulfate enhances the level of an oxidative DNA damage biomarker, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanoslne, in rats colonic mucosa

This study investigated nucleic acid oxidation associated with exposure to benzene at low levels in 239 workers recruited among traffic policemen, taxi drivers and gasoline pump attendants of the city of Parma (Italy). Biomarkers of exposure, namely urinary t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), urinary cotinine, and urinary biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidation, namely 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Relevant polymorphisms of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), glutathione S-transferases M1-1 (GSTM1), T1-1 (GSTT1), and A1 (GSTA1) were characterized by polymerase chain reaction-based methods in a subgroup of subjects. Biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidation were correlated with each other (r ≥ 0.32, p < 0.0001) and with exposure biomarkers (r ≥ 0.28, p < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression models including age, sex and smoking habits as independent variables demonstrated that benzene exposure is associated with oxidation damage to nucleic acid, particularly to RNA (p < 0.0001) and is modulated by the NQO1 polymorphism. The study confirmed a significant modulating effect of GSTM1 (p = 0.010), GSTT1 (p = 0.023) and GSTA1 (p = 0.048) polymorphisms on S-PMA excretion, with a significant interaction between GSTM1 and both GSTT1 and GSTA1 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.037, respectively).

DNA single strand break analysis in mononuclear blood cells of petrol pump attendants.

DNA single strand breaks, including DNA adducts that lead to alkali-labile sites, were measured in peripheral mononuclear blood cells of 35 petrol pump attendants by alkaline filter elution. Blood samples from petrol pump attendants were taken on Monday and Friday. Additionally, DNA single strand breaks of smoking and non-smoking control persons were examined. For the smoking (n = 12) and the non-smoking controls (n = 20) a mean normalized elution rate of 1.49 +/- 0.52 (mean value +/- 95% confidence interval) and 1.32 +/- 0.28, respectively, was obtained. The difference between smoking and non-smoking controls was not statistically significant (U test). An increase in DNA single strand breaks from Monday to Friday was detected for non-smoking petrol pump attendants with a daily working time of more than 4 h at the pump station. Their mean normalized elution rate increased from 1.08 on Monday to 1.89 on Friday. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05; Wilcoxon test for paired data), although the 95% confidence interval was large on Friday (0.43 on Monday; 1.23 on Friday). However, no significant increase was found for non-smoking petrol pump attendants who were on duty for less than 4 h per day at the pump station. No statistically significant increase in DNA single strand breaks could be detected for smoking petrol pump attendants whether they were pumping gasoline for more or for less than 4 h per day.

Blood dyscrasia in unofficial vendors of petrol and heavy oil and motor mechanics in Nigeria.

The risk of blood dyscrasia has been measured in Nigerians exposed to benzene in petrol through inhalation and ingestion while employed selling petrol syphoned from oil-drums at the roadside. Significant degrees of anaemia, hypochromia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were found in male vendors of heavy oil for motor scooters (n = 20), vendors of petrol and heavy oil (n = 52) and vendors of petrol alone (n = 46) compared to adolescent (n = 49) and adult (n = 80) male controls. Motor mechanics (n = 57) working at small repair workshops were also at risk of anaemia through exposure to petroleum products. Petrol pump attendants (n = 38) at modern filling stations did not appear to have any such occupational hazard. The practices of unofficial roadside vendors of petrol and heavy oil, and to a less extent motor mechanics, in the developing world are dangerous to health, being associated with blood dyscrasia and probably with increased incidence of aplastic anaemia and leukaemia. Education of the public and legislation are required to stop these practices.