An exploratory study to assess the occupational health hazards due to exposure of benzene vapors among workers at selected petrol pumps of malwa region, Punjab Ruchi1, Kaur Amandeep2, Dr Gupta Sanjay3 1M. Sc Nursing, Satyam College of Nursing, Kangra (H.P), India, Email id: truchi573@gmail.com 2Assistant Professor, State Institute of Nursing & Paramedical Sciences, Badal, India 3Professor & H.O.D SPM Department, GGSMCH, Faridkot, Punjab, India Online published on 17 September, 2019. Abstract Background of the Study Occupational health is the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well being of workers in all occupations by preventing departure from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of work to people and people to their jobs. Benzene is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet aromatic odor. Benzene vapors are commonly found in crude oil, gasoline, cigarette smoke etc. Petrol pump workers are continuously exposed to the organic and inorganic substances present in the petrol & diesel. Benzene absorbed in human body causing primary respiratory symptoms, hematological, physical and physiological changes. Aim of the Study The aim of the study is to assess the occupational health hazards due to exposure of benzene vapors among workers at selected petrol pumps of Malwa region, Punjab. Material and Methods A quantitative research approach, exploratory research design was used to conduct this research study. Total 100 petrol pump workers were selected by non probability purposive sampling technique from selected petrol pumps of Malwa region, Punjab. Data was collected using self reported checklist, laboratory investigations and peak flow meter. Results The study results depicted that most of the petrol pump workers had occupational health hazards i.e. in physical parameters 99% had moderate physical symptoms, in hematological parameter had decreased Hb, WBCs, RBCs, MCH, MCHC, hemocrit and platelets level and in respiratory parameter majority of the sample had moderate decreased lung capacity. Conclusion It was concluded that petrol pump workers had greater risk of occupational health hazards due to benzene vapors. Top Keywords Occupational Health Hazards, Benzene Vapors, Petrol Pump Workers. Top |