In many occupational settings, the ambient environment is a sink of various contaminants that emerge from point and nonpoint sources and causes direct exposure to workers. Such exposures in petroleum-related occupations usually result from routine transportation, distribution, accidental spills, improper handling and use, and leaching of petroleum hydrocarbons products; there are also many other ways by which humans are exposed to these chemicals. Apart from direct occupational exposure, nonoccupational population around chemical factories and other occupational sites may also undergo indirect exposure. Thus, occupational exposure hematotoxicity and other blood disorders such as blood cancer (leukemia), aplastic anemia, and dysplastic bone marrow conditions are common results of exposure to aromatics such as benzene , screening of which can be done easily by complete blood counts.
In developing countries such as Pakistan, creating awareness among workers about workplace
chemicals and other related hazards should also be given priority. There should be thorough hazard
assessments at a large scale to review occupational safety conditions at the initial stage, and practical
measures should be taken to minimize them in future. This study was planned to evaluate the effects of
continuous exposure to solvents, chemical contaminants, and other confounding factors that may cause
functional changes in blood parameters. It may be helpful in future for suggesting the most significant
priorities in the light of research outcomes, to minimize workplace- and occupation-related health risks, and to ensure safety to workers’ health.