Health Hazards of Benzene Exposure Among Petrol Pump Attendants in North Indian Cities

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 02 | Page : 36 43
    By

    Atul Khajuria,

  • Stephen Monday,

  • Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Gagan,

  • J. Samuel Kamanda,

  1. Director, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  2. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  5. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India

Abstract

Benzene exposure is an undisputed occupational risk, notably among petrol pump attendants who come in contact with fuel vapors. Chronic exposure to benzene is linked to several conditions, such as hematological disorders, respiratory issues, and increased cancer prevalence. This research aims to assess the health effects related to benzene exposure amongst petrol attendants in the northern cities of India. A cross sectional study was conducted at each petrol pump in major metro areas of Northern India. The sample size was 773 petrol pump attendants. Air samples for benzene were taken from the working stations and biological samples (blood/urine) from the attendants were examined for benzene metabolites. Self-reported symptoms, occupational history, and compliance to safety measures were captured through questionnaires. SPSS was used to run descriptive statistics and correlation analyses on the data. Initial results show that petrol pumps have high benzene concentrations which are above permissible exposure limits. Other symptoms reported include dizziness, headaches, breathlessness, and tiredness. Long term exposure associated with some hematological aberrations like leukopenia was noted. There is poor safety compliance as there is low adoption of protective wearing of safety clothes and equipment. North Indian petrol attendants are at risk of adverse health outcomes from long term exposure to benzene. Occupational health and safety regulations need to be more stringent, there should be routine medical examination and there should be improved use of PPE to mitigate health risks.

Keywords: Benzene exposure, petrol pump attendants, occupational health, north India, hematological disorders, air pollution

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Crop science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Gagan, J. Samuel Kamanda. Health Hazards of Benzene Exposure Among Petrol Pump Attendants in North Indian Cities. Research and Reviews : Journal of Crop science and Technology. 2025; 14(02):36-43.
How to cite this URL:
Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Gagan, J. Samuel Kamanda. Health Hazards of Benzene Exposure Among Petrol Pump Attendants in North Indian Cities. Research and Reviews : Journal of Crop science and Technology. 2025; 14(02):36-43. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjocst/article=2025/view=211993


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Issue 02
Received 04/04/2025
Accepted 25/04/2025
Published 11/05/2025
Publication Time 37 Days
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