The health risks associated with long-term fuel exposure on Saudi Arabian workers: Prevention strategies and best practices

Clinically, petroleum products contain harmful chemicals. The health impacts of fuel pollution have become a real environmental problem in Saudi Arabia, which largely rely on the petroleum industries. The aim of this review paper is to highlight the health risk associated with long-term exposure to fuel pollutions on the workers of Saudi Arabia, and to elaborate the prevention and protection strategies for safety practices. The review showed how the workers in Saudi Arabia (as a leading oil producer country) exposed to fuel during their work in its volatile form (volatile organic compound; VOC). This air pollution can cause adverse effect on their health (e.g., hematological disorders) as was reported in many places within Saudi Arabia. The review also reflected the needs for evaluation parameters to assess the level of exposure to these contaminants. Also, recent evidence was introduced about acute and long-term exposure to VOCs was introduced. The systemic health implications, included respiratory, immunological, hematological, dermatological, renal, reproductive, and central nervous system pathologies. The review also discusses the protection and safety strategy to promote the health status of the worker and also hammering on the personal protection devices.