Hematological Evidence of Occupational Exposure to Chemicals and Other Factors among Auto-Repair Workers in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

ObjectivesOccupational exposure to aromatic solvents causes many serious health hazards to workers, especially if an ambient environment increases the exposure during routine working hours. This study was conducted on two related groups, i.e., automobile mechanics (MCs) and automobile spray painters (PNs), with an effort to analyze effects of chemical exposure on hematological parameters, keeping a focus on environmental parameters and workers’ personal behavioral characteristics that could be held responsible for increasing exposure risk.MethodsA preliminary survey of various chemicals used in these places was done, and 78 blood samples were collected from three groups (control, n = 24; mechanics, n = 25; painters, n = 29). Demographic features of workers were recorded through a short questionnaire.ResultsResults showed that mean red blood cell (RBC) count was lower both in MCs [t(51) = 2.38, p < 0.021, r = 0.32] and in PNs [t(47) = 2.12, p < 0.03, r = 0.29], whereas mean hemoglobin (Hb) was significantly lower in MCs [t(51) = 2.5, p = 0.017, r = 0.33]. Combined data for exposed groups for smokers (SMs) versus nonsmokers (NSs) showed that SMs had a significantly lower number (RBC count: t(52) = 2.28, p < 0.027, r = 0.25; Hb count: t(52) = 2.71, p < 0.009, r = 0.30] of these parameters than NSs, even compared to the control group. Moreover, logistic regression results showed that smoking is a significant predictor of reduction in RBC and Hb counts, besides occupational exposure and work experience to a little extent among exposed workers. Mean white blood cell count [t(47) = 2.63, p < 0.01, r=0.35], mean corpuscle volume [t(47)= –2.82, p = 0.007, r = 0.29], and packed cell volume [t(47)= –2.28, p = 0.027, r = 31] were higher exclusively in painters, which could be related to exposure to benzene in addition to isocyanate.ConclusionIt appeared that workplace exposure may be complex due to interaction of multiple factors and PNs face much more exposure to isocyanate and aromatic solvents than MCs, which had significant effects on their hematopoiesis. Smoking enhances exposure risk manifolds, and among MCs it showed combined effects along with occupational exposure. There is a need to create awareness among these workers to adopt self-safety measures during routine tasks and also of a separate study to elucidate actual occupational exposure among them, eliminating confounding factors.

Toxic Air and Soil in Automobile Workshop Impact Negatively on the Health Status of Automechanics: The Nigeria Environment

“…The observed decrease in haemoglobin level of auto-mechanics is in correlation with previous studies [11] but differs from the report on oil works where the values for haemoglobin and haematocrit remained insignificant difference (P>0.05) between both groups [8]. Our findings also collaborate with the assertion that the length of exposure to petroleum pollutants correlates with adverse effect on haematological physio-chemistry [4,8,[44][45].…”

Benzene exposure among auto-repair workers from workplace ambience: A pioneer study from Pakistan

“…Automobile manufacturing, repair stations, spray painting and other related workplaces are examples of automobilerelated occupations in Pakistan where workers face exposure to organic solvents to a great extent [1][2][3]. Among many environmental sources, benzene mostly arises from fuel vapors and gasoline which are used for degreasing and diluents at automobile mechanic work areas [4].…”

The Influence of Occupational Lead Exposure on Haematological Indices among Petrol Station Attendants and Automobile Mechanics in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria&#148;

“…They concluded that it appeared that PSA were more at risk compared to auto mechanics and may develop anaemia over time. [9,10] The above effects have been attributed to the cytotoxic effects of aromatic hydrocarbons on haematopoetic precursors in the bone marrow. [11] Long term occupational exposure has been linked with a number of haematological disorders such as leukaemia, myelodysplasia and aplastic anaemia.…”