Evaluation of exposure to volatile organic compounds (BTEX) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in gas station workers and oxidative stress assessment in Karaj city

Gas stations are one of the sources of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) and polyromantic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the level of breathing exposure of gas station workers to BTEX, PAHs and oxidative stress caused by exposure to these compounds in Karaj city. Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the mechanisms involved in the toxicity caused by exposure to gas vapors. In this study, all 25 gas stations in the city of Karaj were investigated. Personal sampling and analysis of BTEX and PAHs was done according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 and 5515 methods, respectively. Finally, oxidative stress markers were investigated in 25 gas station workers and 25 control group. The results showed that the mean age and employment history of gas station workers are 39.96 ± 9.55 and 12.84 ± 6.92, respectively. Also, no significant difference was reported between gas station workers and control subjects in terms of oxidative stress parameters including the level of ROS, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. The concentration values of personal exposure of gas station workers to BTEX and PAHs are lower than the occupational exposure limits (OEL). Although the level of oxidative stress parameters in gas station workers is higher than the control group, this difference is not statistically significant (p>0.05). It is recommended to take personal protection measures in case of chronic exposure.