Changes In the Levels of Serum Iron, Total Iron-Binding Capacity and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and Association with Work-Related Exposure to Petrochemical Products in Petrol Station Attendants

Abstract

<b>Background: </b>Acute and chronic exposure to petrochemical products through inhalation or ingestion affects the health of individuals, with prolonged exposure likely to cause more adverse effects. Attendants at petrol stations in developing countries rarely use protective wear and are usually occupationally exposed to petrochemical gases. It is hypothesized that exposure to petrochemical gases may interfere with iron homeostasis.<br /> <b>Objective: </b>This study examined the changes in the levels of serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in relation to work-related exposure to petrochemical products in petrol station attendants.<br /> <b>Method: </b>This cross-sectional study included 100 age and sex matched participants comprising 50 petrol station attendants and 50 control subjects. Venous blood samples were collected from the subjects and analyzed for serum iron, TIBC and ESR.  The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 was used for statistical analysis.<br /> <b>Results: </b>The mean levels of serum iron and TIBC were significantly lower in petrol station attendants than in control participants. However, the ESR did not differ significantly between the two groups. The levels of serum iron and TIBC was decreased with longer work duration (> 12 months) than with 1- 6 months duration, whereas the ESR increased with longer duration of work-related exposure (>12 months) than with shorter durations of  work-related exposure (7-12 months and 1-6 months respectively) (p<0.05). There was also a significant positive correlation, between work-related duration of exposure to petrochemical gas and ESR and a significant negative correlation between the work-related duration of exposure and TIBC (P< 0.05).  Additionally, male petrol station attendants had significantly higher levels of serum iron than females, whereas the ESR was greater in females than in males. Additionally, male control participants had higher levels of serum iron and TIBC than females, while the ESR was greater in females than the in males (P<0.05).<br /> <b>Conclusion: </b>Petrol station attendants had significantly lower levels of serum iron and TIBC than unexposed control. This may imply that occupational exposure to petrochemical products may affect iron homeostasis.