Does the long term exposure to petrol fumes affect platelet count? A study in petrol pump attendants

Back ground: Petrol, also known as gasoline, is used as a fuel in internal combustion engines, also used as a thinner and industrial solvent. Ingredients in the petrol have got a deleterious effect on hemopoietic cells .Various studies suggested toxic effect of petrol fumes on RBC and WBC. Present study is an attempt to establish the toxic effect of long term exposure to petrol fumes on platelet count. Material and Methods: Our study group consisted of 30 apparently healthy male volunteers, aged between 25-45 years, working as petrol pump attendants in Pune city (India) for more than 5 years. Control group consisted of healthy adults aged between 25-45 years with no history of exposure to petrol fumes. 5 ml of venous blood was collected from the peripheral vein and platelet count was determined. Data was analyzed statistically using student’s‘t ‘test. Result: We observed a statistically significant reduction in the platelet count in the test group compared to control group. Conclusion: Decrease in the platelet count observed in our study could be due to toxic effect of ingredients in the petrol such as benzene on hemopoietic cells of bone marrow.