Effect of Automotive Oils on Blood Indices and Liver Function of Adults and Children Automobile-Repairing Mechanics in Kabul City

Abstract

Background: Chronic exposure to petroleum products’ ingredients, such as basic chemicals, additives, and pollutants, can affect the hematological system and liver. Automobile repair shop mechanics are a group of people who are constantly exposed to petroleum products. In Afghanistan, children labor alongside adults in automobile repair shops. Therefore, we aimed to find the effect of these products on the hematological system and liver function of children and adults at automobile repair shops in Kabul city of Afghanistan. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, individuals who worked in automobile-repair shops in Kabul, Afghanistan, were compared to healthy control groups in two age categories: adults (≥18 years old), and children (<18 years old). Hematological tests for blood indices and biochemical studies for liver function were done. Based on the normal or abnormal distribution of data, the central tendencies of exposed and control groups were compared using the Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test respectively. Results: Only MCV was significantly different between adults exposed and control groups in terms of blood indices. MCH, MCV, MID, MPV, PLC, PDW, and Neut/Lym ratios differed significantly between exposed and control groups in children. Albumin and globulin levels in adults, and albumin and AST levels in children were significantly different between the exposed and control groups in terms of liver function tests. Conclusion: Children are more affected by occupational exposure to petroleum products than adults.