Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan

Ahmed Mohammed Elnour Elkhalifa; Mohammed Abdulwahid Almorish; Elham Elamin; Nur Eldin Eltaher; Mohammed Ismail Tabash; Abdelhakam Gamar Alanbia Tamomh

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan

Ahmed Mohammed Elnour Elkhalifa

, Mohammed Abdulwahid Almorish^*

, Elham Elamin

, Nur Eldin Eltaher, Mohammed Ismail Tabash

, Abdelhakam Gamar Alanbia Tamomh

Published in Science Journal of Clinical Medicine (Volume 14, Issue 2)

Received: 20 April 2025 Accepted: 8 May 2025 Published: 30 June 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Benzene toxicity can lead to a range of serious health impairments, including various forms of anemia and several types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. It is crucial to minimize exposure to benzene in industrial and environmental settings to protect public health and prevent these potentially life-threatening conditions. To investigate the potential impact of benzene exposure on the hematological profile of workers and to compare the results with those of a healthy, non-exposed population. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022 with Benzene workers at the Kosti benzene stations in Sudan were divided into two groups for a study: an exposure group consisting of eighty-seven individuals who were exposed to benzene, and an unexposed group of eighty-seven individuals who had no exposure. Blood samples were collected from all participants in Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) tubes for Complete Blood Count (CBC) analysis. The results indicated that the mean values for Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count were significantly higher in the exposure group compared to the control group. Similarly, the lymphocyte count showed a significant increase in the exposure group versus the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) was also significantly elevated in the exposed individuals compared to the healthy participants (P<0.001). Conversely, the mean values for Mean Cell Volume (MCV) were significantly lower in the exposure group compared to the control group. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were also significantly reduced in the exposed group versus the control group (P<0.001). The packed cell volume (PCV) was lower in the exposure group compared to the control (P<0.001). Other hematological significant decreases were observed in Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Neutrophil count, Monocyte count and Platelet (PLTs) count (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the mean values of Total White Blood Cells (TWBCs) count and Eosinophil count between the exposed and non-exposed groups. This analytical comparative study highlights the substantial influence of benzene exposure on the hematological parameters of Sudanese workers, indicating notable disparities in hematological variables, thus emphasizing the need for occupational exposure monitoring and protective strategies for benzine workers.

Published in	Science Journal of Clinical Medicine (Volume 14, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12
Page(s)	20-26
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Hb Concentration, Platelets Count, RBCs Counts, Benzene Exposure, TWBCs Count, Sudan

1. Introduction

Inhalation of benzene poses significant toxicity risks for workers in benzene-related environments

[1]

. Benzene exposure primarily originates from various industrial sources, including oil pipelines and refineries

[2]

. This chemical is associated with numerous adverse health effects and environmental contamination

[3]

. Key benzene components, such as Toluene, Ethylene, and Xylene, can lead to serious health conditions including various hematological malignancies. Additional health effects may include inflammation, hematotoxicity, and immunotoxicity

[4, 5]

. Research indicates that long-term benzene exposure correlates with decreased blood cell counts

[6, 7]

. Exposure to benzene at levels of 10 ppm or higher is linked to severe hematological changes

[8]

. Long-term exposure to benzene may result in DNA damage, cell cycle disruption, and oxidative stress

[9]

. Benzene is recognized as a carcinogen and mutagen, affecting multiple organ systems and immune function

[10, 11]

. Workers at benzene stations experience reduced RBC counts, with associations noted between low-level exposure and hematologic abnormalities

[12]

The majority of studies highlight benzene's hematotoxicity impacting hematopoietic stem cells and altering hematological parameters

[13-15]

. This research aims to evaluate the hematological profile affected by benzene exposure in Kosti city, Sudan, in comparison to a healthy non-exposed cohort.

2. Material and Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022 in Kosti city, Sudan. The study included 87 benzene workers as the exposure group and 87 non-exposed individuals as the control group. Venous blood samples (5 ml) were collected in EDTA anticoagulant tubes, and CBC parameters were analyzed using a hematology automated analyzer (Sysmex XK-21, Japan) from workers exposed to less than 1 ppm benzene for at least three years, alongside samples from the unexposed group.

All participants in the study group were workers exposed to benzene for eight or more hours daily for over three years. Individuals with blood diseases or those undergoing medication affecting CBC results, as well as smokers, were excluded from the study.

2.1. Ethical Approval

The study was approval by the ethics committee of University of El mam El Mahdi Faculty of medical laboratory sciences.

2.2. Statistical Analysis

Demographics and laboratory findings were entered for analysis with IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27. The Frequency distribution means and standard deviation were calculated and illustrated in the results tables. Significant changes in the hematological parameters were assessed using a t-test to determine any significant differences between the exposure and non-exposure group. The level of statistical significance is considered when the P-value <0.05.

3. Results

All participants in this study were males, 58.6% of them spent 3-5 continuous years with 8 hours daily exposed to vaporations of benzene, 19.50% of them more than 6-8 years continuously 8 hours daily, 10.3% worked 9-11 years continuously 8 hours daily, 8% spent 8 hours daily for 12-14 years, and 3.4% of them spent 8 hours daily for 15-17 years exposed to benzene.

Table 1 explains most of the study group is younger. 49.40% and 47.1% were aged from 31 to 40 years old, and 42.6% and 44.9% were aged 20-29 years old with the non-significant differences between the exposed and non-exposed group P=0.709. Tables 2 & 3 indicated significant decrease among exposed group mean values of Hb concentration (13.09±2.27g/dl vs, 14.80±1.47 g/dl), PCV (41.80 ± 3.45 l/l vs, 45.05±1.12 l/l), MCV (78.69 ± 4.66fl vs, 85.93 ± 6.73fl), MCH (25.80 ± 2.00 pg vs, 29.00±1.78pg), PLTs count (236.68 ± 61.37×103/l vs, 268.54±71.73×103/l), Neutrophil counts (39.87± 13.88% vs, 48.09±12.5%), and the Monocyte counts (3.60±2.32% vs. 5.66±1.72%), (P<0.001). On the other hand, the RBCs count (5.30±0.75×1012 vs 4.97±0.59×1012), lymphocyte count (44.61± 8.41% vs, 29.19± 3.98%), and MCHC (32.67 ±2.12% vs, 31.71±1.37%) showed significantly increased concerning exposure group versus comparative apparent healthy participants (P<0.001). A non-statistical difference was found between the mean values of TWBCs (7.00±1.38×103/l vs, 6.66±2.12×103/l and the Eosinophil counts (2.69±1.70% vs. 2.49 ±1.09% among the exposed and non-exposed (P=0.35 and 0.21), respectively.

Table 1. Distribution of Age among the benzene exposure and the non-exposure groups.

Age range (Years)	Exposure (87)	Non-exposure (87)	P-Value
Age range (Years)	N (%)	N (%)
20-30	37 (42.6%)	39 (44.9%)	0.709
31-40	43 (49.4%)	41(47.1%)
41-50	6 (6.9%)	5 (5.8%)
51-65	1 (1.1%)	2 (2.2%)

4. Discussion

All laborers in this investigation are males, and 90% are younger, within the age range of 20 to 40 years. These outcomes may be ascribed to societal issues; the predominant workforce in Sudanese fuel stations typically comprises males, and females generally do not engage in employment at fuel stations

[16]

. These observations correspond with a study conducted by Abozer Elderdery and his associates in 2015 among Sudanese fuel station employees, who indicated that the majority of laborers are younger males

[16]

. These insights underscore the need for further exploration of the socio-cultural factors influencing employment patterns in this industry, as well as potential strategies to promote gender inclusivity in the labor market.

Hematological modifications were documented among the benzene-exposed workers who have been subjected to less than one ppm of benzene vapor for 8 hours per day continuously for three consecutive years or more, consistent with the assertions of previous studies

[6-8, 16, 17]

. These alterations are regarded as reliable indicators of toxic effects resulting from benzene compounds

[18]

. Significant elevations were identified in the mean values of MCHC, RBC counts, and lymphocyte counts among the benzene-exposed participants relative to non-exposed individuals. These modifications serve as crucial biomarkers for assessing the toxicological impact of benzene and highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and protective measures for workers in environments where benzene exposure is a risk.

Current findings align with prior research that corroborated an increase in lymphocyte count and lymphocytosis in prolonged benzene inhalation scenarios.

[16, 19, 20]

. Furthermore, antecedent research noted an elevation in MCHC mean values in concordance with the present findings

[21, 22]

. Published investigations also reported a significant decline in RBC counts among those exposed to benzene, in contrast to the current findings

[19, 21, 23, 24]

. Results depicted in Tables 2 and 3 demonstrated a decrement in mean values of Hb concentration, monocyte counts, MCH, neutrophil counts, PLT counts, PCV, and MCV among the study cohort. Analogous to prior investigations, these results documented reductions in MCH and PLT counts along with a decrease in Hb concentration

[21, 23, 25, 26]

. The findings are also consistent with studies addressing a reduction in PCV mean values

[22, 24, 26]

. Conversely, earlier research indicated divergent results regarding the current hematological parameter outcomes

[19, 24, 27]

. A non-significant difference was observed concerning the mean values of the TWBC count, and the eosinophil counts among the exposed and non-exposed groups, which contradicts the conclusions of previous studies

[24, 28]

. This is consistent with other earlier findings that indicated a decrease in the TWBC count and noted a significant increase in eosinophil counts among those exposed to benzene

[19, 21, 25, 29]

. Overall, these findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on the hematological implications of benzene exposure, underscoring the necessity for continued research to clarify these inconsistencies and enhance our understanding of the compound's toxicological impact. Such research efforts should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of benzene's effects on blood parameters, potentially incorporating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may modulate individual responses to exposure.

Table 2. Statistical analysis and distribution of the RBCs counts, PCV, Hb, and red cell indices values (MCV, MCH, and MCHC), among the benzene exposure and Non-exposure groups.

Variables	Exposure (87)		Non-exposure (87)		P-Value
Variables	N (%)	Mean ± SD	N (%)	Mean ± SD
Hb
<13.5 g/dl	43(49.4%)	13.09±2.27g/dl	10(11.5%)	14.80±1.47 g/dl	<.001*
13.5-17.5 g/dl	41(47.1%)		75(86.2%)
>17.5 g/dl	3(3.5%)		2(2.3%)
PCV
<40 l/l	23(26.4%)	41.80 ± 3.45 l/l	5(5.8%)	45.05±1.12 l/l	<.001*
40-52 l/l	59(67.8%)		80 (91.9%)
>52 l/l	5(5.8%)		2(2.3%)
RBCs Count
< 4.5 x 10¹²	9 (10.4%)	5.30±0.75×10¹²	10(11.5%)	4.97±0.59×10¹²	0.002*
4.5-6.5 x 10¹²	51(58.6%)		73(83.9%)
>6.5 x 10¹²	27(31%)		4(4.6%)
MCV
<80 fl	53(60.9%)	78.69±4.66fl	7(8%)	85.93±6.73fl	<.001*
80-95 fl	25(28.7%)		77(88.5%)
>95 fl	9(10.4%)		3(3.5%)
MCH
<27 pg	75(86.1%)	25.80±2.00pg	8(9.2)%	29.00±1.78pg	<.001*
27-34 pg	9 (10.4%)		73(83.9%)
>34 pg	3(3.5%)		6(6.9%)
MCHC
<20%	10(11.5%)	32.67±2.12%	2(2.3%)	31.71±1.37%	<.001*
20-35%	68(78.1%)		81 (93.1%)
>35%	9(10.4%)		4(4.6%)

*Significant at P < 0.05

Table 3. Statistical analysis and frequencies of the PLTs, TWBCs, Lymphocyte, Neutrophil, Eosinophil, and Monocyte among the benzene exposure and Non-exposure.

Variables	Exposure		Non-exposure		P-Value
Variables	N (%)	Mean±SD	N (%)	Mean±SD
TWBCs
<4×10³ /l	5(5.8%)	7.00±1.38×10³/l	3(3.5%)	6.66±2.12×10³/l	0.21
4-11×10³ /l	74(85%)		82(94.2%)
>11×10³ /l	8(9.2%)		2(2.3%)
PLTs count
<150×10³ /l	14(16.1%)	236.68±61.37×10³/l	2(2.3%)	268.54±71.73×10³/l	<0.001*
150-400×10³ /l	71(81.6%)		80(92%)
>400×10³ /l	2(2.3%)		5(5.7%)
Neutrophil count
<40%	36(41.4%)	39.87±13.88%3%	2(2.3%)	48.09±12.5%	<0.001*
40-80%	47(54%)		83(95.4%)
>80%	4(4.6%)		2(2.3%)
Lymphocyte count
<20%	3(3.5%)	44.61±8.41%	4(4.6%)	29.19±3.98%	<0.001*
20-40%	15(17.2%)		78(89.6%)
>40%	69(79.3%)		5(5.8%)
Monocyte count
<4%	9(10.3%)	3.60±2.32%	4(4.6%)	5.66±1.72%	<0.001*
4-10%	72(82.8%)		81(93.1%)
>10%	6(6.9%)		2(2.3%)
Eosinophil count
1%	7(8%)	2.69 ±1.70%	3(3.5)%	2.49 ±1.09%	0.35
2-4%	75(86.2%)		82(94.2%)
>4%	5(5.8)		2(2.3%)

*Significant at P < 0.05

5. Conclusion

This comparative analysis elucidates the significant effects of benzene exposure on the hematological parameters of Sudanese workers, emphasizing the immediate necessity for improved occupational exposure monitoring and protective measures for those engaged with benzene, thus enriching the existing literature on the health hazards of benzene and urging policymakers and health authorities to prioritize worker safety in benzene-exposed environments.

Abbreviations

EDTA	Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid
CBC	Complete Blood Count
RBCs	Red Blood Cells
MCHC	Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration
MCV	Mean Cell Volume
Hb	Hemoglobin
PCV	Packed Cell Volume
MCH	Mean Cell Hemoglobin
PLTs	Platelet
TWBCs	Total White Blood Cells

Acknowledgments

Authors would like to thanks all the workers participate on benzene stations in White Nile state.

Data Availability Statement

The datasets utilized and examined in the present study can be requested from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Abdel Maksoud HA, Elharrif MG, Mahfouz MK, Omnia MA, Abdullah MH, Eltabey ME. Biochemical study on occupational inhalation of benzene vapours in petrol station. Respir. Med. Case Reports Elsevier; 2019; 27: 100836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmcr.2019.100836
[2]	Weisel CP. Benzene exposure: An overview of monitoring methods and their findings. Chem. Biol. Interact. Elsevier; 2010; 184(1-2): 58-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2009.12.030
[3]	Smith MT. Advances in understanding benzene health effects and susceptibility. Annu. Rev. Public Health Annual Reviews; 2010; 31(1): 133-48. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.012809.03646
[4]	Odewabi AO, Ogundahunsi OA, Oyalowo M. Effect of Exposure to Petroleum Fumes on Plasma Antioxidant Defense System in Petrol Attendants. Br. J. Pharmacol. Toxicol. Maxwell Science Publishing; 2014; 5(2): 83-7. https://doi.org/10.19026/bjpt.5.5461
[5]	Zhang L, McHale CM, Rothman N, Li G, Ji Z, Vermeulen R, et al. Systems biology of human benzene exposure. Chem. Biol. Interact. Elsevier; 2010; 184(1-2): 86-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2009.12.011
[6]	Koh DH, Jeon HK, Lee SG, Ryu HW. The relationship between low-level benzene exposure and blood cell counts in Korean workers. Occup. Environ. Med. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd; 2015; 72(6): 421-7. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2014-102227
[7]	Lan Q, Zhang L, Li G, et al. Hematotoxicity in workers exposed to low levels of benzene. Science. 2004; 306(5702): 1774-1776. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1102443
[8]	Collins JJ, Conner P, Friedlander BR, Easterday PA, Nair RS, Braun J. A study of the hematologic effects of chronic low-level exposure to benzene. J Occup Med. 1991; 33(5): 619-626.
[9]	Vinceti M, Rothman KJ, Crespi CM, et al. Leukemia risk in children exposed to benzene and PM10 from vehicular traffic: a case-control study in an Italian population. Eur J Epidemiol. 2012; 27(10): 781-790. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-012-9727-1
[10]	Poynter JN, Richardson M, Roesler M, et al. Chemical exposures and risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes in a population-based study [published correction appears in Int J Cancer. 2019 Aug 1; 145(3): E15. Int J Cancer. 2017; 140(1): 23-33. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.30420
[11]	Mandiracioglu A, Akgur S, Kocabiyik N, Sener U. Evaluation of neuropsychological symptoms and exposure to benzene, toluene and xylene among two different furniture worker groups in Izmir. Toxicol Ind Health. 2011; 27(9): 802-809. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233711399309
[12]	Ermolina E V., Stadnikov AA, Smoliagin AI. Morphological features of the organs of the immune system in conditions of exposure to chromium and benzene. Gig. Sanit. 2012;(3): 69-71.
[13]	Casale T, Sacco C, Ricci S, et al. Workers exposed to low levels of benzene present in urban air: Assessment of peripheral blood count variations. Chemosphere. 2016; 152: 392-398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.01.096
[14]	Liang B, Chen Y, Yuan W, et al. Down-regulation of miRNA-451a and miRNA-486-5p involved in benzene-induced inhibition on erythroid cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Arch Toxicol. 2018; 92(1): 259-272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-017-2033-7
[15]	Yuan W, Sun Q, Jiang Y, Zhang X, Chen L, Xie C, et al. MiR-146a affects the alteration in myeloid differentiation induced by hydroquinone in human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells and HL-60 cells. Toxicol. Res. (Camb). Oxford University Press; 2016; 5(3): 848-58. https://doi.org/10.1039/c5tx00419e
[16]	Elderdery AY, Elnour AM, Ali NY, et al. Alterations in hematological parameters among workers of fuel stations in White Nile State, Sudan. Int J Biomed Adv Res. 2015; 6(11): 780-784.
[17]	D’Andrea MA, Reddy GK. Detrimental Health Effects of Benzene Exposure in Adults after a Flaring Disaster at the BP Refinery Plant in Texas City. Disaster Med. Public Health Prep. SAGE Publications Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA; 2016; 10(2): 233-9. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2015.160
[18]	Rothman N, Li GL, Dosemeci M, et al. Hematotoxicity among Chinese workers heavily exposed to benzene. Am J Ind Med. 1996; 29(3): 236-246. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199603)29:3<236:AID-AJIM3>3.0.CO;2-O
[19]	Alfadaly N, Aboul-Hagag KE, Al-Robaee A, Al Shobaili H, Azoliban A. Toxicological Study on the Health Effects of Long Term Exposure To Benzene in Benzene Filling Workers, Qassim Region, Ksa. Egypt. J. Forensic Appl. Toxicol. 2016; 16(1): 81-94. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejfsat.2016.39954
[20]	Liu CS, Tsai JH, Kuo SW. Comparison of complete blood counts and urinary benzene metabolites after exposure to benzene. Mid- Taiwan J Med.2000. 5: 235-242
[21]	Kasemy ZA, Kamel GM, Abdel-Rasoul GM, Ismail AA. Environmental and Health Effects of Benzene Exposure among Egyptian Taxi Drivers. J Environ Public Health. 2019; 2019: 7078024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7078024
[22]	Samadi MT, Shakerkhatibi M, Poorolajal J, Rahmani A, Rafieemehr H, Hesam M. Association of long term exposure to outdoor volatile organic compounds (BTXS) with pro-inflammatory biomarkers and hematologic parameters in urban adults: A cross-sectional study in Tabriz, Iran. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. Elsevier; 2019; 180: 152-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.05.008
[23]	Ibrahim KS, Amer NM, El-Dossuky EA, Emara AM, El-Fattah AESMA, Shahy EM. Hematological effect of benzene exposure with emphasis of muconic acid as a biomarker. Toxicol. Ind. Health Sage Publications Sage UK: London, England; 2014; 30(5): 467-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233712458141
[24]	AgabEldour AA, Khalafallah TO, AbdAllah AMA. Hematological changes among Sudanese petroleum workers with a broad range of benzene exposure: Sch. HEMOGLOBIN (g/dl) 13: 0-748.
[25]	Kunle OP, Lawrence AA, Oluwabusola AA, AbdulFatai A. Assessment of Post Exposure of Benzene on Some Hematology Parameters and DNA Lesions on Adult Wistar Rats. Asian J. Immunol. 2019; 2(1): 1-10.
[26]	Doherty BT, Kwok RK, Curry MD, Ekenga C, Chambers D, Sandler DP, et al. Associations between blood BTEXS concentrations and hematologic parameters among adult residents of the U.S. Gulf States. Environ. Res. Elsevier; 2017; 156: 579-87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.048
[27]	Mohamed H, Swani MA, Alaghib MI, Abdeljawad AI, Alkezza M, Alobaidy M. Hematological Assessment of Benzene Exposure among Employees in Brega Oil Marketing Company (BOMC), Benghazi. Int. Blood Res. Rev. 2018; 8(3): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.9734/ibrr/2018/43266
[28]	Liao Y-H. Hematological effects of benzene in the petroleum industry. Int. J. Heal. 2015; 3(1): 1. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijh.v3i1.4339
[29]	Zhang X, Deng Q, He Z, Li J, Ma X, Zhang Z, et al. Influence of benzene exposure, fat content, and their interactions on erythroid-related hematologic parameters in petrochemical workers: A cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health Springer; 2020; 20(1): 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08493-z

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Elkhalifa, A. M. E., Almorish, M. A., Elamin, E., Eltaher, N. E., Tabash, M. I., et al. (2025). Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan. Science Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(2), 20-26. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Elkhalifa, A. M. E.; Almorish, M. A.; Elamin, E.; Eltaher, N. E.; Tabash, M. I., et al. Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan. Sci. J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(2), 20-26. doi: 10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Elkhalifa AME, Almorish MA, Elamin E, Eltaher NE, Tabash MI, et al. Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan. Sci J Clin Med. 2025;14(2):20-26. doi: 10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12,
  author = {Ahmed Mohammed Elnour Elkhalifa and Mohammed Abdulwahid Almorish and Elham Elamin and Nur Eldin Eltaher and Mohammed Ismail Tabash and Abdelhakam Gamar Alanbia Tamomh},
  title = {Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan
},
  journal = {Science Journal of Clinical Medicine},
  volume = {14},
  number = {2},
  pages = {20-26},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjcm.20251402.12},
  abstract = {Benzene toxicity can lead to a range of serious health impairments, including various forms of anemia and several types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. It is crucial to minimize exposure to benzene in industrial and environmental settings to protect public health and prevent these potentially life-threatening conditions. To investigate the potential impact of benzene exposure on the hematological profile of workers and to compare the results with those of a healthy, non-exposed population. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022 with Benzene workers at the Kosti benzene stations in Sudan were divided into two groups for a study: an exposure group consisting of eighty-seven individuals who were exposed to benzene, and an unexposed group of eighty-seven individuals who had no exposure. Blood samples were collected from all participants in Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) tubes for Complete Blood Count (CBC) analysis. The results indicated that the mean values for Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count were significantly higher in the exposure group compared to the control group. Similarly, the lymphocyte count showed a significant increase in the exposure group versus the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) was also significantly elevated in the exposed individuals compared to the healthy participants (P<0.001). Conversely, the mean values for Mean Cell Volume (MCV) were significantly lower in the exposure group compared to the control group. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were also significantly reduced in the exposed group versus the control group (P<0.001). The packed cell volume (PCV) was lower in the exposure group compared to the control (P<0.001). Other hematological significant decreases were observed in Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Neutrophil count, Monocyte count and Platelet (PLTs) count (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the mean values of Total White Blood Cells (TWBCs) count and Eosinophil count between the exposed and non-exposed groups. This analytical comparative study highlights the substantial influence of benzene exposure on the hematological parameters of Sudanese workers, indicating notable disparities in hematological variables, thus emphasizing the need for occupational exposure monitoring and protective strategies for benzine workers.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan

AU  - Ahmed Mohammed Elnour Elkhalifa
AU  - Mohammed Abdulwahid Almorish
AU  - Elham Elamin
AU  - Nur Eldin Eltaher
AU  - Mohammed Ismail Tabash
AU  - Abdelhakam Gamar Alanbia Tamomh
Y1  - 2025/06/30
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12
T2  - Science Journal of Clinical Medicine
JF  - Science Journal of Clinical Medicine
JO  - Science Journal of Clinical Medicine
SP  - 20
EP  - 26
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2732
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12
AB  - Benzene toxicity can lead to a range of serious health impairments, including various forms of anemia and several types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. It is crucial to minimize exposure to benzene in industrial and environmental settings to protect public health and prevent these potentially life-threatening conditions. To investigate the potential impact of benzene exposure on the hematological profile of workers and to compare the results with those of a healthy, non-exposed population. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022 with Benzene workers at the Kosti benzene stations in Sudan were divided into two groups for a study: an exposure group consisting of eighty-seven individuals who were exposed to benzene, and an unexposed group of eighty-seven individuals who had no exposure. Blood samples were collected from all participants in Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) tubes for Complete Blood Count (CBC) analysis. The results indicated that the mean values for Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count were significantly higher in the exposure group compared to the control group. Similarly, the lymphocyte count showed a significant increase in the exposure group versus the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) was also significantly elevated in the exposed individuals compared to the healthy participants (P<0.001). Conversely, the mean values for Mean Cell Volume (MCV) were significantly lower in the exposure group compared to the control group. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were also significantly reduced in the exposed group versus the control group (P<0.001). The packed cell volume (PCV) was lower in the exposure group compared to the control (P<0.001). Other hematological significant decreases were observed in Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Neutrophil count, Monocyte count and Platelet (PLTs) count (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the mean values of Total White Blood Cells (TWBCs) count and Eosinophil count between the exposed and non-exposed groups. This analytical comparative study highlights the substantial influence of benzene exposure on the hematological parameters of Sudanese workers, indicating notable disparities in hematological variables, thus emphasizing the need for occupational exposure monitoring and protective strategies for benzine workers.

VL  - 14
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Ahmed Mohammed Elnour Elkhalifa

Public Health Department, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Hematology Department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti City, Sudan

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2660-5054
Mohammed Abdulwahid Almorish

Hematology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Sanaa, Yemen

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5296-7115
Elham Elamin

Hematology Department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti City, Sudan

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6138-4720
Nur Eldin Eltaher

Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti City, Sudan
Mohammed Ismail Tabash

Department of the Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Azhar University, Gaza, State of Palestine

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1170-679X
Abdelhakam Gamar Alanbia Tamomh

Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2880-5751

Download PDF

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Elkhalifa, A. M. E., Almorish, M. A., Elamin, E., Eltaher, N. E., Tabash, M. I., et al. (2025). Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan. Science Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(2), 20-26. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Elkhalifa, A. M. E.; Almorish, M. A.; Elamin, E.; Eltaher, N. E.; Tabash, M. I., et al. Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan. Sci. J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(2), 20-26. doi: 10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Elkhalifa AME, Almorish MA, Elamin E, Eltaher NE, Tabash MI, et al. Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan. Sci J Clin Med. 2025;14(2):20-26. doi: 10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12,
  author = {Ahmed Mohammed Elnour Elkhalifa and Mohammed Abdulwahid Almorish and Elham Elamin and Nur Eldin Eltaher and Mohammed Ismail Tabash and Abdelhakam Gamar Alanbia Tamomh},
  title = {Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan
},
  journal = {Science Journal of Clinical Medicine},
  volume = {14},
  number = {2},
  pages = {20-26},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjcm.20251402.12},
  abstract = {Benzene toxicity can lead to a range of serious health impairments, including various forms of anemia and several types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. It is crucial to minimize exposure to benzene in industrial and environmental settings to protect public health and prevent these potentially life-threatening conditions. To investigate the potential impact of benzene exposure on the hematological profile of workers and to compare the results with those of a healthy, non-exposed population. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022 with Benzene workers at the Kosti benzene stations in Sudan were divided into two groups for a study: an exposure group consisting of eighty-seven individuals who were exposed to benzene, and an unexposed group of eighty-seven individuals who had no exposure. Blood samples were collected from all participants in Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) tubes for Complete Blood Count (CBC) analysis. The results indicated that the mean values for Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count were significantly higher in the exposure group compared to the control group. Similarly, the lymphocyte count showed a significant increase in the exposure group versus the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) was also significantly elevated in the exposed individuals compared to the healthy participants (P<0.001). Conversely, the mean values for Mean Cell Volume (MCV) were significantly lower in the exposure group compared to the control group. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were also significantly reduced in the exposed group versus the control group (P<0.001). The packed cell volume (PCV) was lower in the exposure group compared to the control (P<0.001). Other hematological significant decreases were observed in Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Neutrophil count, Monocyte count and Platelet (PLTs) count (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the mean values of Total White Blood Cells (TWBCs) count and Eosinophil count between the exposed and non-exposed groups. This analytical comparative study highlights the substantial influence of benzene exposure on the hematological parameters of Sudanese workers, indicating notable disparities in hematological variables, thus emphasizing the need for occupational exposure monitoring and protective strategies for benzine workers.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Impact of Benzene Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Workers: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study with Healthy Non-Exposed Controls in Sudan

AU  - Ahmed Mohammed Elnour Elkhalifa
AU  - Mohammed Abdulwahid Almorish
AU  - Elham Elamin
AU  - Nur Eldin Eltaher
AU  - Mohammed Ismail Tabash
AU  - Abdelhakam Gamar Alanbia Tamomh
Y1  - 2025/06/30
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12
T2  - Science Journal of Clinical Medicine
JF  - Science Journal of Clinical Medicine
JO  - Science Journal of Clinical Medicine
SP  - 20
EP  - 26
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2732
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjcm.20251402.12
AB  - Benzene toxicity can lead to a range of serious health impairments, including various forms of anemia and several types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. It is crucial to minimize exposure to benzene in industrial and environmental settings to protect public health and prevent these potentially life-threatening conditions. To investigate the potential impact of benzene exposure on the hematological profile of workers and to compare the results with those of a healthy, non-exposed population. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022 with Benzene workers at the Kosti benzene stations in Sudan were divided into two groups for a study: an exposure group consisting of eighty-seven individuals who were exposed to benzene, and an unexposed group of eighty-seven individuals who had no exposure. Blood samples were collected from all participants in Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) tubes for Complete Blood Count (CBC) analysis. The results indicated that the mean values for Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count were significantly higher in the exposure group compared to the control group. Similarly, the lymphocyte count showed a significant increase in the exposure group versus the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) was also significantly elevated in the exposed individuals compared to the healthy participants (P<0.001). Conversely, the mean values for Mean Cell Volume (MCV) were significantly lower in the exposure group compared to the control group. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were also significantly reduced in the exposed group versus the control group (P<0.001). The packed cell volume (PCV) was lower in the exposure group compared to the control (P<0.001). Other hematological significant decreases were observed in Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Neutrophil count, Monocyte count and Platelet (PLTs) count (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the mean values of Total White Blood Cells (TWBCs) count and Eosinophil count between the exposed and non-exposed groups. This analytical comparative study highlights the substantial influence of benzene exposure on the hematological parameters of Sudanese workers, indicating notable disparities in hematological variables, thus emphasizing the need for occupational exposure monitoring and protective strategies for benzine workers.

VL  - 14
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download