Occupational Exposure to Fuel Vapors and Smoking on Hematological Parameters Among Gas Station Workers in Sabha, Libya

Abstract

Working at fuel stations is considered an environmentally and health-risk activity due to chronic exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily benzene. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of occupational exposure to fuel vapors and cigarette smoking on certain hematological parameters among fuel station workers in Sabha, Libya. The study employed a case-control design. The sample consisted of 50 male participants divided into two groups: the study group (station workers, n = 30), comprising 22 smokers (73.3%) and 8 non-smokers (26.7%), and a demographically equivalent control group (Sabha University employees, n = 20), comprising 10 smokers (50%) and 10 non-smokers (50%). Demographic and occupational data were collected via a questionnaire, and venous blood samples were collected for a complete blood count (CBC). The results showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in the major hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, PLT) between station workers and the control group, nor between smokers and non-smokers within the station worker group. Despite the lack of statistical significance—which may be due to the small sample size—an apparent increase in the mean platelet (PLT) and white blood cell (WBC) count was observed among station workers and smokers, suggesting a primary inflammatory or stimulus response resulting from the combined burden of occupational pollution and tobacco use. The study also revealed that 96.7% of station workers did not adhere to occupational safety precautions and use personal protective equipment (PPE). The study recommends the enforcement of regulations, mandating the use of PPE for workers, and conducting regular medical checkups to mitigate health risks.