The Effect of Gas Smelling among Fuel Stations Employees in Qassim Region

Abstract

Benzene is a carcinogenic compound used in industrial manufacturing. Benzene exposure is associated with a multiplicity of clinical conditions ranging from hematologic diseases to chronic lung disorders. Respiratory system is affected more than the other system because the benzene is highly volatile and inhaled deeply into respiratory airway reaching the alveoli where gas exchange takes place. This study aims to show the effect of benzene on respiratory system of fuel station employees and its role in causing respiratory problems. The design of the study is an experimental study to evaluate the effect of benzene inhalation on the lung tissue by detecting cytological change among Fuel stations employees in Qassim region. The sputum sample was obtained from male stations employees in Qassim region and stained with Papanicolaou stain. The fuel station employees were suffering from dyspnea, nasal irritation and sore throat. In total 15 sputum samples collected are subdivided into three groups: group number one is those not exposed to benzene; the second group is exposed for 2 - 4 years. However, group number three is exposed for more than 4 years. Long-term exposure to benzene leads to cytological change and reduces immunity that is indicated by the present of neutrophil cells (pus) and other inflammatory features.