Journal of Health and Safety at Work

Introduction: Gasoline is a complex mixture of more than 500 various hydrocarbons. The elimination of lead from petrol has been associated with the production of significant amounts of hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX). The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether or not exposure to unleaded petrol, under normal working conditions, is associated with any hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic response.

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Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study in which 200 subjects with current exposure to unleaded petrol working in Shiraz petrol stations as well as 200 unexposed employees were investigated. Using standard methods, atmospheric concentrations of BTX were measured. Additionally, blood and urine samples were taken from subjects for routine biochemical tests of kidney and liver function.

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Results: The geometric means of airborne concentrations of BTX were found to be 0.24, 0.37 and 0.64 ppm, respectively. The result of blood chemistry tests showed that means of direct bilirubin, ALT, AST, urea and plasma creatinine were significantly higher in exposed subjects than in unexposed employees, although all of these parameters were in the normal range. Conversely, serum albumin, total protein and serum concentration of calcium and sodium were significantly lower in petrol station workers than in their unexposed counterparts.

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Conclusions: The average exposure of petrol station workers to BTX is lower than the current TLVs for these chemicals. However, clinical significance and long-term results of observed changes in liner and kidney of exposed workers needs more evident in comparison with unexposed group.