- Rooibos is being used in trials to protect workers from harmful fuel station chemicals.
- Petrol attendants are being made to drink three cups a day for six months.
Petrol attendants might soon have a powerful shield against deadly fuel fumes and it’s none other than rooibos tea.
Scientists at the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) believe that the popular herbal tea could help protect workers from harmful chemicals found at petrol stations.
The chemicals — benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, or BTEX — are known to cause breathing problems, skin rashes, blood disorders, and even liver and kidney damage.
Dr Kerry Wilson, an epidemiologist at the NIOH, said petrol attendants in South Africa breathe in more of these chemicals than most workers because of their long shifts and close contact with fuel.
“These chemicals can damage DNA and even lead to blood poisoning,” Wilson said.
She added that although South Africa has safety laws, they are often not followed properly.
Unlike in some countries where drivers pump their own fuel, South African workers are exposed to the fumes every day.
To test rooibos as a possible remedy, researchers selected petrol attendants from several filling stations and divided them into study groups.
In late 2023, researchers tested the workers’ health. In early 2024, they started giving each participant three cups of rooibos tea — 250ml each — every day for six months.
The final results of the study are expected in August or September.
“We were encouraged by international studies showing how antioxidants in tea can reduce damage caused by BTEX exposure,” Wilson said.
“Rooibos has no caffeine and is known to fight oxidative stress, so it’s a natural fit for the trial.”
Pictured above: Petrol attendants in South Africa who are part of a rooibos tea trial.
Image source: Meropa
