THE EFFECT OF OCCUPATIONAL BENZENE EXPOSURE DURATION ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AMONG FUEL STATION WORKERS IN MUKALLA CITY, YEMEN

Chronic occupational exposure to benzene is a major health hazard that directly affects the hematopoietic system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of benzene exposure duration on physiological blood parameters among fuel station workers in Mukalla city. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2023, involving 46 male workers at fuel stations, and 23 healthy individuals as a control group. The participant's ages ranged between 20-70 years. Workers were divided into two groups based on exposure duration: (1-4 years) and (5-8 years). A complete blood count (CBC) analysis was performed using a Sysmex XP-300 analyzer, and data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. The results revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), while white blood cell (WBC) count and the percentage of neutrophils (NEUT) and monocytes (MON) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Statistical analysis also revealed a cumulative toxic effect of benzene; workers with more than 5 years of exposure exhibited a more significant decrease in Hb value, RBC count, HCT percentage, MCHC and lymphocytes, while more significant increase in WBC count, percentage of NEUT and MON compared to those with shorter durations. The study concluded that exposure duration is a crucial factor in predicting the occurrence of anemia and immune disorders, necessitating periodic hematological monitoring and the use of personal protective equipment to mitigate occupational health risks for fuel station workers.