This study evaluated the correlation between red and white blood cell parameters and BTEX exposure among a cross-sectional survey involving 105 gasoline workers of 11 stations in Bangkok in 2009. Blood BTEX levels were evaluated by gas chromatography with flame ionized detector (GC-FID) which represented BTEX exposure. Blood benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene levels were 284.9, 201.3, 178.7 and 105.5 (µg/L) which benzene level was strong correlated to toluene and xylene levels (Linear regression, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). Blood cell parameters should present adverse affects of the exposure. The results of this study showed that toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene levels were associated with abnormal red blood cells (Logistic regression, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, toluene was also associated with hematocrit level of gasoline workers (Linear regression, p < 0.05). But blood benzene level was not shown association with any blood cell parameters. In conclusion, red blood cell parameters may be the sensitive biomarker determinants than white blood cell parameters for BTEX exposure among gasoline workers. Toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene had potential affect to red blood cell morphology.
Key words: Correlation, Blood cell parameters, BTEX, Gasoline station, Worker
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