Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: People with high risk of exposure to petroleum products like benzene include petrol pump workers, gasoline, rubber, printing and refinery workers. Petrol pump workers are exposed to many toxic chemicals like benzene which has carcinogenic effects. Human exposure to benzene has significant adverse health effects with the risk of developing haematological abnormalities including leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, lymphomas, etc. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of chronic inhalation of petrol fumes on white cell count s in a population of male petrol filling workers occupationally exposed to the solvents in petrol and air pollutants for short and long durations. Materials and method: Experimental group consisted 30 adult male volunteers of age group 30-40 years working in petrol pump stations for more than 8 years in Uttar Pradesh. Control group consisted of 30 male adults of same age group who didn’t have the history of exposure to petroleum products. Blood samples were collected and analysed for total leucocyte count [TLC], platelet count and haemoglobin [HB] concentrations. Result: The experimental group showed significant change in WBC count when compared with control group (Lymphocyte counts were significantly lower; monocytes and granulocytes were higher in experimental group) and mean arterial pressure was high in experimental group. There were no significant changes in platelet count among study and control groups. Conclusion: Long term exposure to petrol fumes has deleterious effects on human haematopoietic system leading to bone marrow depression, decreased lymphocyte count and there is increase in mean arterial pressure due to adverse effect of pollutants.
Key Words: Agranulocyte, Benzene, Granulocyte, Haematotoxicity, Petrol pump workers.

Corresponding author: Dr. Devendra  Nath  Tiu, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadia, Barabanki ( U.P.)

This article may be cited as: Tiu DN, Dubey P. Study of WBC count and its association with blood pressure in petrol pump filling workers of Barabanki City, Uttar Pradesh.  J Adv Med Dent Scie Res 2017;5(4):87-90.