Occupational Exposure to Petroleum Products and Respiratory Health

Abstract

Even low exposure to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons is associated with more respiratory and nasal symptoms, lower pulmonary function, and airway inflammation.

Sleep disturbances and neurotoxicity in workers exposed to hydrocarbons. An observational study from Algeria

“…The interviews and tests were performed in the morning before any work. Measurements of exposure to various relevant solvents were also made and showed significantly higher exposure to hydrocarbons among the “exposed group” than among controls although the measured concentrations were below occupational standards (reported elsewhere [Sekkal et al, ]). The study was considered as part of the occupational medical surveillance offered to the workers.…”

“…The population and design have been previously described [Sekkal et al, ]. In brief, this cross‐sectional study was performed between November 2006 and May 2007 in the area of Tlemcen, in western Algeria.…”

“…The control group consisted of 250 electricians from a power company (distribution of electricity and gas) who had no occupational contact with solvents. The workers answered questionnaires, administered face‐to‐face, dealing with socio‐demographic characteristics, life style, respiratory health (results presented elsewhere [Sekkal et al, ]), neurotoxicity, and sleep disorders; the questionnaires were administered by a single investigator in Arabic. In addition, the workers underwent pulmonary function tests, that is, spirometry (reported elsewhere [Sekkal et al, ]) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP).…”

“…The study was considered as part of the occupational medical surveillance offered to the workers. We obtained all the necessary agreements from the relevant authorities of the two companies, as well as from the eligible subjects, who were given detailed information about the study objectives and protocol before the investigation [Sekkal et al, ]. No Institutional Review broad existed in the University of Tlemcen, but the study adhered to the Helsinki declaration.…”

“…To our knowledge, no epidemiological studies have been published about the development of sleep disorders and neurotoxicity among petroleum industry workers exposed to aliphatic hydrocarbons. Previously, we reported adverse respiratory health outcomes among workers from a petroleum distribution company in Algeria [Sekkal et al, ]. This cross‐sectional study was performed in a large group of employees from a single company handling and distributing refined petroleum products.…”