Effects of long term exposure assessment of benzene in petrol pump workers

Background: Petrol pump workers constantly inhale polluted air and fumes of petrol in their duties. Liver injury had long known to be associated with occupational exposure to a wide range of chemicals. Benzene affects many enzyme activities in the liver, tissues, and peripheral blood and this can lead to a decrease in the activity of antioxidants enzymes and may result in oxidative stress. Aim: To study the effects of petrol fumes on the liver enzymes and other biochemical parameters on petrol-pump workers. Material and Method: 50 workers at Petrol pump stations and 50 service workers not exposed to Benzene were selected for study. Study consisted of quessionaire, and blood investigations for MDA, SOD and liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP. Statistical analysis done by student t test. Result: MDA, SOD and all liver enzyme levels of exposed group were found to be significantly high as compared to non-exposed group. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to benzene found to have hazardous effects on parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidants along with the liver enzymes.