Investigation of Health Hazards in Vehicle Refueling Stations Attendants at Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Vehicles refueling station workers are a class of labors prone to long term petroleum product toxicity due to their routine work at vehicles refueling stations. Health problems posed by the pollutants at the work environment of an individual are closely linked to the nature and level of exposure to these hazardous chemicals. The adverse effect of the toxicants in such environment is a common phenomenon in all the developing countries. The awareness about this problem is lacking in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In present study, blood biochemical parameters like calcium, cholesterol, glucose, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and triglyceride levels were determined among workers and control individuals. The results of the workers showed an increase in glucose, cholesterol and phosphorus level; while significant decrease was observed in calcium and potassium level as compared to the control group of individuals. While the level of magnesium and triglyceride level was same in both groups. In comparative picture, the blood biochemical parameters were normal in control as that of workers. Further study may be conducted to investigate the effect of such environment on other blood parameters and large size population may be included in the study.