Correlation Of Benzene Exposure Through The Measurement Of Tran, Trans-muconic Acid (TTMA) With Lymphocytes, CD4 And CD8 T Cells, CD4/CD8 T Cell Ratios In Gas Station Employees Owned By PT. Pertamina Medan City

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Correlation of Benzene Exposure through the Measurement of Trans, Trans-Muconic Acid (TTMA) Values with Lymphocytes, CD4 and CD8 T Cells in Gas Station Employees Owned by PT. Pertamina Medan City

Introduction

The use of benzene in various industries, including Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU), has been widely reported to cause various health problems. Benzene is known to have a significant impact on the hematopoietic system and the human immune system. This study aims to explore the correlation between benzene exposure measured through urine metabolites, namely trans, trans-muconic acid (TTMA), with lymphocyte values, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, including the ratio between CD4/CD8 T cells in PT employees. Pertamina who works at gas stations in Medan.

Background

Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause various health problems, including hematological disorders and immune system dysfunction. The use of benzene in various industries, including SPBU, has been widely reported to cause health problems among employees. Benzene exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, and can lead to various health effects, including anemia, leukemia, and immune system dysfunction.

Methodology

A total of 43 employees from gas stations were chosen as respondents. For benzene exposure biomonitoring, TTMA levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography methods (HPLC). Furthermore, lymphocyte measurements were carried out using the impedance method, while for the measurement of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells the flowcytometry method was used. Kendall-TAU statistical test was applied to determine the correlation between variables.

Results

The results showed that the median of TTMA values in employees exposed to benzene was 75 μg/gc. The interesting findings of this study are a significant correlation between the TTMA and CD8+ T cells (R = 0.223, P = 0.036). However, no significant correlation was found between TTMA and lymphocytes (R = 0.133, P = 0.219), CD4+ T cells (R = 0.183, P = 0.086), and CD4/CD8 ratio (R = -0.138; P = 0.198). This study also noted that the measured benzene exposure to two gas stations of PT. Pertamina in Medan is relatively low, although the value of lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells turns out to exceed the normal limit.

Discussion

The results of this study show that there is a significant correlation between benzene exposure and CD8+ T cells. This finding suggests that benzene exposure can lead to an increase in CD8+ T cells, which can be an indication of an immune response. The lack of significant correlation between benzene exposure and lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, and CD4/CD8 ratio suggests that benzene exposure may have a specific effect on the immune system.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of monitoring benzene exposure in the work environment, especially for employees who have the potential to be exposed to dangerous substances. Periodic health monitoring efforts and education about the risk of benzene exposure need to be a priority to protect the health of employees in this sector. By understanding the relationship between benzene exposure and the response of the immune system, it is hoped that a more effective strategy can be found to minimize the negative impacts on health, so that employees can work more securely and productively.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Regular health monitoring: Regular health monitoring of employees who are exposed to benzene should be conducted to detect any potential health effects.
  2. Education and training: Employees who are exposed to benzene should receive education and training on the risks associated with benzene exposure and the importance of taking precautions to minimize exposure.
  3. Implementation of safety measures: Safety measures should be implemented to minimize benzene exposure, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the implementation of engineering controls.
  4. Research and development: Further research and development are needed to understand the effects of benzene exposure on the immune system and to develop more effective strategies to minimize the negative impacts on health.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Limited duration of exposure: The duration of benzene exposure in this study was limited, which may not reflect the long-term effects of benzene exposure.
  3. Limited measurement of benzene exposure: The measurement of benzene exposure in this study was limited to TTMA levels, which may not reflect the total amount of benzene exposure.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

  1. Increase the sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Measure benzene exposure over a longer duration: Future studies should aim to measure benzene exposure over a longer duration to reflect the long-term effects of benzene exposure.
  3. Measure benzene exposure using multiple methods: Future studies should aim to measure benzene exposure using multiple methods, such as HPLC and GC-MS, to improve the accuracy of the measurements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of monitoring benzene exposure in the work environment, especially for employees who have the potential to be exposed to dangerous substances. The findings of this study suggest that benzene exposure can lead to an increase in CD8+ T cells, which can be an indication of an immune response. Further research and development are needed to understand the effects of benzene exposure on the immune system and to develop more effective strategies to minimize the negative impacts on health.
Q&A: Correlation of Benzene Exposure through the Measurement of Trans, Trans-Muconic Acid (TTMA) Values with Lymphocytes, CD4 and CD8 T Cells in Gas Station Employees Owned by PT. Pertamina Medan City

Q: What is benzene and why is it a concern in the workplace?

A: Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause various health problems, including hematological disorders and immune system dysfunction. It is a concern in the workplace because it can be released through various industrial processes, including the use of gasoline and other petroleum products.

Q: What is TTMA and how is it used to measure benzene exposure?

A: TTMA (trans, trans-muconic acid) is a metabolite of benzene that can be measured in urine to assess benzene exposure. It is used as a biomarker to determine the level of benzene exposure in individuals.

Q: What are the health effects of benzene exposure?

A: Benzene exposure can cause various health effects, including anemia, leukemia, and immune system dysfunction. It can also cause reproductive problems and birth defects.

Q: What is the significance of the correlation between TTMA and CD8+ T cells?

A: The correlation between TTMA and CD8+ T cells suggests that benzene exposure can lead to an increase in CD8+ T cells, which can be an indication of an immune response. This is a significant finding because it suggests that benzene exposure can have a specific effect on the immune system.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include a small sample size, limited duration of exposure, and limited measurement of benzene exposure. These limitations should be considered when interpreting the findings of this study.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research should aim to increase the sample size, measure benzene exposure over a longer duration, and measure benzene exposure using multiple methods. This will help to improve the accuracy of the measurements and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of benzene exposure.

Q: What are the implications of this study for workplace safety?

A: The findings of this study highlight the importance of monitoring benzene exposure in the workplace, especially for employees who have the potential to be exposed to dangerous substances. Regular health monitoring and education about the risks associated with benzene exposure are essential to protect the health of employees in this sector.

Q: What can employees do to protect themselves from benzene exposure?

A: Employees can take several steps to protect themselves from benzene exposure, including:

  • Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks
  • Following proper procedures for handling and storing benzene-containing products
  • Reporting any symptoms of benzene exposure to their supervisor or healthcare provider
  • Participating in regular health monitoring and education programs

Q: What can employers do to protect their employees from benzene exposure?

A: Employers can take several steps to protect their employees from benzene exposure, including:

  • Conducting regular health monitoring and education programs
  • Providing PPE and training employees on its use
  • Implementing engineering controls to minimize benzene exposure
  • Developing and enforcing policies and procedures for handling and storing benzene-containing products

Q: What are the long-term implications of benzene exposure?

A: The long-term implications of benzene exposure are not fully understood, but it is known to cause various health problems, including anemia, leukemia, and immune system dysfunction. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of benzene exposure.

Q: Can benzene exposure be prevented?

A: Benzene exposure can be prevented by taking several steps, including:

  • Wearing PPE
  • Following proper procedures for handling and storing benzene-containing products
  • Reporting any symptoms of benzene exposure to their supervisor or healthcare provider
  • Participating in regular health monitoring and education programs

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include:

  • Conducting further studies to confirm the findings of this study
  • Increasing the sample size and measuring benzene exposure over a longer duration
  • Measuring benzene exposure using multiple methods to improve the accuracy of the measurements
  • Developing and implementing policies and procedures to minimize benzene exposure in the workplace.