Chromosomal Abnormalities among Petrol Station Workers Occupationally Exposed to Benzene

It is known that the vast majority of malignancies are the result of genetic and environmental interactions. Fuel (diesel and petrol) constitutes a complex mixture of benzene, toluene and xylene and other monocyclic, aromatic, aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; benzene being the most hazardous because of its carcinogenic potency. This study aims to evaluate the genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to benzene through cytogenetic analysis at low levels of exposure also to investigate the possibility of liver and kidney affections. The studied group comprised 40 workers from 3 different petrol stations occupationally exposed to benzene and 20 control subjects. The two studied groups were matched regarding age and sex. Results show significant difference between exposed workers and control group in chromosomal abnormalities regarding mitotic index, gap, isogap and break. Regarding period of exposure, the frequency of different types of chromosomal aberrations was relatively high during first few years of exposure and decrease with increasing duration. Regarding liver function tests, levels were within normal ranges but higher in workers with statistically significant difference between exposed workers and control group and they were significantly correlated with the duration of exposure (p value= .05). Occupational exposure to mutagenic and carcinogenic agents creates a significant impact on the health status of gasoline station attendants. Identification and prevention of possible health problems related to such exposure would help in maintaining good health of workers; prevent reduction in working capacity and loss of working hours besides reducing the cost of medical care for affected workers. Further studies are needed to assess DNA status in the lymphocytes that might be a predictor of future cancer risks and might help to prevent further deterioration in the health of these workers.