Alteraciones hematológicas en despachadores de gasolina expuestos a la mezcla benceno - tolueno - etilbenceno - xileno de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

In this study, the hematological alterations in the gasoline dispensers in the Benceno - Tolueno - Etilbenceno - Xilenos mixture from Cuenca city were determined. The study population was consisted of 40 gasoline dispensers who belong to five service stations located within the urban perimeter of Cuenca city. Air samples were taken from the breathing zone using Radiello® passive samplers, which were placed on the flap of the dispatchers' uniform during a working day. Next, the sampler was removed and liquid desorption was carried out with CS2 and then it was analyzed using a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector. Also, the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin, corpuscular media, a peripheral blood sample at the end of the working day was determined. The results obtained for both benzene, ethylbenzene and xylenes were found below the limit of detection (LOD) of the chromatographic method used in the investigation, only toluene could be identified in 7.5% of the total employees, in the present study it was evidenced that gasoline dispatchers did not present any haematological alteration due to their exposure to fuel during their working day, however, it will help the authorities of the Service Stations in Cuenca city could improve or implement a more rigorous plan of preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.