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Abstract
In this study, we investigated the relationship between gasoline- related air pollutants namely total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and methyl tertiary butyl ether ( MTBE), at the gasoline service stations, and allergic disorders. One hundred and eleven workers who represented all available exposed labors inside ten service stations (Occupational group), and 60 subjects that were living or working in close proximity to gasoline stations ( Environment group), were compared with 60 none exposed subjects (control group) . All individuals were subjected to complete general, dermatological and chest examinations. Investigations included pulmonary function testing (FEV 1: Forced expiratory volume exhaled in the first second) and skin patch test. A significant relationship was noticed among the four types of allergy (skin, chest, nasal and eye allergies). Most cases had been suffering from more than one type of allergy at the same time. The concentrations of these gasoline- related air pollutants were measured in the ambient air of the gasoline stations, surrounded regions and the control areas . It was found that the higher the levels of MTBE, SO2, and hydrocarbons, in ambient air, the higher the number of subjects suffering from allergic disorders, however the most significant factor was MTBE.