PM10 Emitted from Gravel Crushers and their Effects on Complete Blood Counts for Workers, Middle Governorate – Gaza, Palestine

Abstract

Case-control study was conducted during the period from April to August, 2013 on all gravel crushers at Middle Gaza Governorates. There were 87 individuals participants inv-loved in this study, out of which 40 were case (exposed) and 47 control (non-exposed) groups respectively. PM10 (Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometer or less) concentration level was measured in the six crushers, and all participants were subjected to Complete Blood Counts (CBC). This was conducted to evaluate the level of PM10 air pollution in crusher’s plants, and their impacts on complete blood counts (CBC) for crushers workers. Results showed that an average of particulate matter contributions is 15153 μg/m3 (microgram/cubicmeter), which is about 100 times higher than PM10 existing standard of 150 μg/m3. As well as, it showed clear links between PM10 exposure and CBC changes among exposed group. Increasing in white blood cells count were more common among the exposed group, whereas in the non-exposed group, CBC did not change. Therefore, we can conclude that PM10 con-centration level in crushers plants were much higher than the existing standard. Occupational exposure to PM10 leads to CBC changes especially increasing in white blood cells count.