Health Risks Among Adults after a Prolonged Flaring Incident at the British Petroleum Plant in Texas City

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 5981-5981
Author(s):  
Mark D'Andrea ◽  
Ajay Mitter ◽  
G. Kesava Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
British Petroleum ◽  
Benzene Exposure ◽  
Hematopoietic Malignancies ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Liver Markers ◽  
Texas City

Abstract Objective: Human exposure to benzene is associated with multiple adverse health effects including hematopoietic malignancies, respiratory irritation, and immune system alterations and central nervous system abnormalities. The purpose of this study is to examine health effects of a benzene exposure among adult subjects from a prolonged flaring incident at the British petroleum (BP) refinery in the Texas City, Texas. Methods: The study included adults aged 18 years or older who had been exposed and unexposed to benzene. Using medical charts, clinical data including white blood cells (WBC), platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) in adults exposed to benzene were reviewed and analyzed and compared with unexposed adults. Results: A total of 2213 adult subjects (benzene exposed, n=1826 and unexposed, n=387) were included. Benzene exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of WBC (X 103 per µL) counts (7.9±2.3 versus 6.8±1.6, P=0.0000) and platelet (X 103 per µL) counts (270.8±60.9 versus 242.5±53.7, P=0.0.0000) compared with the unexposed subjects. The mean serum creatinine levels (mg/dL) were also significantly increased in the benzene exposed group compared with the unexposed group (1.0 ±0.2 versus 0.8±0.2, P=0.000). Serum levels of ALP (IU/L) was significantly elevated in the benzene exposed subjects compared with the unexposed subjects (82.1±15.6 versus 71.8±8.2, P=0.000). Similarly, benzene exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of AST and ALT compared with those unexposed to benzene. Conclusion: Together, the results of the study reveal that Benzene exposure from the prolonged BP flaring incident caused significant alterations in their hematological and liver markers indicating that adult subjects exposed to benzene may be at a higher risk of developing hepatic or blood related disorders. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Adverse Hematological Effects of Benzene Exposure Among Elderly Subjects after a Flaring Disaster at the BP Refinery Plant in Texas City

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5274-5274
Author(s):  
Mark A D'Andrea ◽  
G. Kesava Reddy ◽  
Ajay Mitter
Keyword(s):  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Benzene Exposure ◽  
Aspartate Amino Transferase ◽  
Hematological Effects ◽  
Refinery Plant ◽  
Texas City

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the health risks associated with benzene exposure in elderly subjects following a flaring disaster at the BP refinery in Texas City, Texas. Methods: Elderly subjects aged 60 years and older who had been exposed and unexposed to benzene were included. We reviewed medical charts and compared measures of white blood cells (WBC), platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) in exposed and unexposed elderly subjects. Results: Records from 294 elderly subjects (benzene exposed, n=216 and unexposed, n=78) were reviewed. Benzene exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of WBC (X 103 per µL) (7.7±1.9 versus 6.3±1.5, P=0.0000) and platelet (X 103 per µL) counts (256.8 ± 51.6 versus 237.9 ± 41.9, P=0.0104) compared with the unexposed subjects. Serum creatinine levels (mg/dL) were also significantly increased in the exposed group compared with the unexposed group (1.1 ± 0.4 versus 0.9±0.2, P=0.000). Serum levels of ALP (IU/L) were significantly elevated in the exposed subjects compared with the unexposed subjects (87.5 ± 23.6 versus 72.5 ± 17.8, P=0.000). Similarly, benzene exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of AST (24.8 ± 6.2 versus 19.2 ± 5.1, IU/L, P=0.000) and ALT (24.2 ± 8.6 versus 19.1 ± 4.8, IU/L, P=0.000) compared with those unexposed to benzene. Conclusion: Benzene exposure resulted in significant alterations in hematological and hepatic profiles among elderly subjects. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Health Consequences Of Benzene Exposure Among Children Following a Flaring Incident At Petroleum Refinery In Texas City

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 4667-4667
Author(s):  
Mark D'Andrea ◽  
Ajay Mitter ◽  
G. Kesava Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Petroleum Refinery ◽  
Chemical Exposure ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
British Petroleum ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Altered Blood ◽  
Symptom Complaints ◽  
Texas City ◽  
Blood Profiles

Objective Human exposure to benzene is associated with multiple adverse health effects leading to hematological malignancies. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the health consequences of benzene and other toxic chemical exposure in children following a flaring incident at the British petroleum refinery in the Texas City, Texas. Methods The study included children aged < 17 years who had been exposed and unexposed to benzene due to a flaring incident at the British petroleum refinery facility. Using medical charts, clinical data including white blood cell (WBC) counts, platelets counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN,) creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and somatic symptom complaints by the children exposed to benzene were reviewed and analyzed. Results A total of 312 subjects (benzene exposed, n=157 and unexposed, n=155) were included. Hematologic analysis showed that WBC counts were significantly decreased in benzene exposed children compared with the unexposed children (6.8 ± 2.1 versus 7.3 ± 1.7, P=0.022). Conversely, platelet (X 103 per µL) counts were increased significantly in the benzene exposed group compared with the unexposed group (278.4 ± 59.9 versus 261.6 ± 51.7, P=0.005). Similarly, benzene exposed children had significantly higher levels of ALP (183.7± 95.6 versus 165 ± 70.3 IU/L, P=0.04), AST (23.6 ± 15.3versus 20.5 ± 5.5 IU/L, P = 0.015), and ALT (19.2 ± 7.8 versus 16.9 ± 6.9 IU/L, P=0.005) compared with the unexposed children. Conclusion Together, the results of the study reveal that children exposed to benzene experienced significantly altered blood profiles, liver enzymes and somatic symptoms indicating that children exposed to benzene are at a higher risk of developing hepatic or blood related disorders. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Detrimental Health Effects of Benzene Exposure in Adults After a Flaring Disaster at the BP Refinery Plant in Texas City

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. D’Andrea ◽  
G. Kesava Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Benzene Exposure ◽  
Aspartate Amino Transferase ◽  
Refinery Plant ◽  
Texas City

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the adverse effects of benzene exposure in adults from a prolonged flaring disaster at the BP refinery in Texas City, Texas.MethodsAdults aged 18 years and older who had been exposed and unexposed to benzene were included. We reviewed medical charts and compared measures of white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) in exposed and unexposed adults.ResultsRecords from 2213 adults (benzene exposed, n=1826; unexposed, n=387) were reviewed. Benzene-exposed subjects had significantly higher WBC counts (7.9±2.3 vs 6.8±1.6×103 per µL, P=0.0000) and platelet counts (270.8±60.9 vs 242.5±53.7×103 per µL, P=0.0000) than did the unexposed subjects. Serum creatinine levels were also significantly higher in the exposed group than in the unexposed group (1.0±0.2 vs 0.8±0.2 mg/dL, P=0.000). Serum levels of ALP were significantly higher in the exposed subjects than in the unexposed subjects (82.1±15.6 vs 71.8±8.2 IU/L, P=0.000). Similarly, benzene-exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of AST (26.2±6.4 vs 19.7±5.3 IU/L, P=0.000) and ALT (30.6±10.8 vs 20.9±9.6 IU/L, P=0.000) than in those unexposed to benzene.ConclusionBenzene exposure resulted in significant alterations in hematologic and liver profiles in adults. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:233–239)

Health consequences of involuntary exposure to benzene following a flaring incident at British Petroleum refinery in Texas City

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. D’Andrea, MD, FACRO ◽  
Omesh Singh, DO ◽  
G. Kesava Reddy, PhD, MHA
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Total Duration ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
British Petroleum ◽  
Benzene Exposure ◽  
Aspartate Amino Transferase ◽  
Specific Alteration ◽  
Significant Health ◽  
Texas City

Objective: Environmental exposure to benzene can lead to deleterious effects on many biological systems including blood-forming organs, liver, and kidneys. The authors sought to investigate the health consequences of benzene exposure following a flaring incident that occurred at the British Petroleum (BP) refinery in Texas City, TX.Subjects and participants: A cohort of subjects who were exposed to a daily sustained release of toxic chemicals including more than 7,711 kg (17,000 lb) of benzene for a total duration of 40 days due to BP’s flaring incident.Interventions: Not applicable to an observational study.Methods: Subjects who underwent physical and clinical evaluation between June 2010 and October 2012 were included. Demographic and clinical laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Hematologic data such as white blood cell (WBC) counts, platelet counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels in the serum were evaluated. In addition, data on alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) levels in the serum were examined. Urinary phenol was evaluated as a benzene metabolite. The outcomes were compared between exposed and unexposed patients.Results: A total of 200 subjects (benzene exposed, n = 100 and unexposed, n = 100) were included. Benzene exposed subjects showed significantly higher levels of WBC (×103 per μL) count (8.6 ± 5.4 vs 6.5 ± 2.0, p = 0.0003) and platelet (×103 per μL) count (291.3 ± 82.7 vs 264.1 ± 74.0, p = 0.0076) compared with the unexposed subjects. ALP (IU/L) was significantly elevated in the benzene exposed subjects compared with the unexposed subjects (121.2 ± 73.7 vs 65.4 ± 23.6, p = 0.000). Similarly, benzene exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of AST (IU/L) compared with unexposed subjects (23.4 ± 11.8 vs 19.5 ± 8.9, p = 0.0089).Conclusion: This retrospective pilot study found that environmental benzene exposure from the BP’s flaring incident appears to pose significant health risks including specific alteration of blood cells and liver enzymes, indicating that subjects exposed to benzene may be at a higher risk of developing hepatic or blood related disorders.

scholarly journals STAT3 methylation in white blood cells as a novel sensitive biomarker for the toxic effect of low-dose benzene exposure

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 800-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Di Liu ◽  
Yujiao Chen ◽  
Pengling Sun ◽  
Wenlin Bai ◽  
Ai Gao
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Toxic Effect ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Benzene Exposure

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 571 workers to explore the toxic effect and early sensitive biomarker of the health effects of low-dose benzene exposure (LDBE), as well as the correlation between DNA methylation and the toxic effect of LDBE.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Adverse Health Effects of Gasoline Station Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10014
Author(s):  
Umakorn Tongsantia ◽  
Sunisa Chaiklieng ◽  
Pornnapa Suggaravetsiri ◽  
Sari Andajani ◽  
Herman Autrup
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Nasal Congestion ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Muconic Acid ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Benzene Exposure ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Gasoline Station ◽  
Adverse Health

This cross-sectional study examined the risk factors affecting adverse health effects from benzene exposure among gasoline station workers in Khon Kean province, Thailand. An interview questionnaire of adverse symptoms relating to benzene toxicity was administered to 151 workers. Area samplings for benzene concentration and spot urine for tt-muconic acid (tt-MA), a biomarker of benzene exposure, were collected. The factors associated with adverse symptoms were analysed by using multiple logistic regression. It was found that these symptoms mostly affected fuelling workers (77.5%), and the detected air benzene reached an action level or higher than 50% of NIOSH REL (>50 ppb). The top five adverse symptoms, i.e., fatigue, headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, and runny nose, were reported among workers exposed to benzene. More specific symptoms of benzene toxicity were chest pain, bleeding/epistaxis, and anaemia. The detected tt-MA of workers was 506.7 ug/g Cr (IQR), which was a value above the BEI and higher than that of asymptomatic workers. Risk factors significantly associated with adverse symptoms, included having no safety training experience (ORadj = 5.22; 95% CI: 2.16–12.58) and eating during work hours (ORadj = 16.08; 95% CI: 1.96–131.74). This study urges the tightening of health and safety standards at gasoline stations to include training and eating restrictions while working in hazardous areas.

scholarly journals Health Risks Associated With Benzene Exposure in Children: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 2333794X1878927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. D’Andrea ◽  
G. Kesava Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Benzene Exposure ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Pulmonary Functions ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Pediatric Populations

Currently, there is a paucity of studies evaluating the adverse health effects of benzene exposure in children or clinical findings of those children who have been exposed. However, emerging studies show that benzene exposure can cause deleterious health effects in children. The objective of this study was to evaluate and summarize published studies on the adverse health effects of benzene exposure in children. More than 77 articles were examined and only the articles that dealt with adverse health effects on pediatric populations were included in the study. The evaluation of those studies provided current understanding of the health effects of benzene exposure in children. Findings from the currently available studies reveal that benzene exposure is associated with abnormalities in hematologic, hepatic, respiratory, and pulmonary functions in children. Published studies clearly support the need for further assessment of the potential adverse effects of benzene exposure in children, and clinical and laboratory findings of these children.

scholarly journals Environmental and Health Effects of Benzene Exposure among Egyptian Taxi Drivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab A. Kasemy ◽  
Ghada M. Kamel ◽  
Gaafar M. Abdel-Rasoul ◽  
Ahmed A. Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Taxi Drivers ◽  
Benzene Exposure ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Benzene Toluene

Objectives. To study environmental exposure to benzene as well as hematological effects of benzene exposure in taxi drivers. Background. Exposure to benzene has been associated with adverse health effects, including haematopoietic disorders. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was carried out from the beginning of April 2017, through the end of June 2018, on 280 taxi drivers (the exposed group) and 120 unexposed matched individuals (controls). The tools included a predesigned self-administered questionnaire which contained questions about personal data (e.g., age, educational level, and smoking) and exposure data (e.g., duration and nature of exposure). Investigations involved complete blood count. Environmental studies for light-chain aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX components: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) were done. Results. Mean values (ppm) of ambient concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (0.81 ± 0.42, 26.69 ± 0.54, 29.36 ± 2.35, and 25.11 ± 2.06, respectively) in the stations were higher than international permissible levels (P<0.001). On studying the clinical manifestations during the last two weeks, the prevalence of pallor, dizziness, headache, waist and back pain, fatigue, dry throat, and discomfort was significantly higher in taxi drivers (27.1%, 24.3%, 21.4%, 28.6%, 45.7%, 24.3%, and 25.7%, respectively) than among the controls (6.7%, 4.2%, 6.7%, 10%, 10%, 6.7%, 6.7%, and 9.2%, respectively). For chronic diseases, hypertension was the most prevalent chronic disease among the drivers (17.1%) than the controls (5.8%) (P=0.002). Regarding self-assessment of health status, 20.0% of taxi drivers reported poor health while 31.4% reported very good health (P<0.001). MCH (pg), TLC (×103/μl), and platelets (×103/μl) were significantly lower among taxi drivers (26.33 ± 2.31, 6.55 ± 1.38, and 189.07 ± 53.25, respectively) (P=0.005, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively). Conclusion. Abnormal hematological findings among taxi drivers were found on exposure to benzene. Health of taxi drivers is generally affected. Setting a clinic for periodic checkup and health education for taxi drivers is highly recommended.

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