Biological monitoring of petrochemical industry workers exposed to benzene, toluene, xylenes, methyl ethyl ketone, and phenol in Southern Iran

Abstract

Received: July 2015, Accepted: August 2015 Background: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including carcinogens and toxic compounds, are produced in petrochemical industries. We undertook this study in order to study workers' respiratory exposure to different VOC concentrations and compare the results with the urinary levels of its metabolites and study the correlation between them in petrochemical industries. Materials and Methods: Exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene isomers, phenol, and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) was evaluated in 104 male subjects using personal sampling pump and charcoal sorbent tube at the breathing zone and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The urine samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Results:The mean concentration of urinary trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA), was 1431 µg/g creatinine and hippuric acid, methyl hippuric acid, phenol, and MEK were, 0.394, 0.444, 0.098 g/g creatinine, and 0.15 mg/l. The mean concentration of benzene in the breathing zone was greater than the threshold limit value (TLV) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Conclusions:In this study, a more significant relationship was found between benzene in breathing zone and urinary t,t-MA in those exposed to benzene in concentrations higher than 1 ppm (r 2 = 0.89) than lower than 1 ppm. Moreover, the same results were observed for other hydrocarbons and their level of urinary biological index. A more significant relationship was observed between phenol in breathing zone and urine through exposure to airborne phenol in concentrations of higher than 0.049 ppm than lower than 0.049 ppm (r 2 = 0.75). The relationship between MEK in breathing zone and urinary MEK was more significant in concentrations of higher than 0.1 ppm (r 2 = 0.79) than lower than 0.1 ppm.

Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds at Petrochemical Complexes in Iran

“…Rahimpoor et al (2014) studied respiratory exposure to different VOCs concentrations and compared the results with the urinary levels of its metabolites and found a significant relationship between benzene in breathing zone and urinary t, t-MA in those exposed to benzene at petrochemical complexes. The mean concentration of benzene in breathing environment and urinary t, t-ma was higher than the ACGIH's Threshold Limit Values (TLV) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEI), while the mean concentrations of other compounds were lower than TLV and BEI (7).…”

Biomatrix of health risk assessment of benzene-exposed workers at Thai gasoline stations

“…Similar studies 9,10 on gasoline station workers have found a range of tt‐MA concentrations exceeding the recommended safe value (BEI: 500 µg/g Cr) set by ACGIH 5 . Rahimpoor et al 15 reported air benzene concentrations above the OEL set by ACGIH 5 corresponding to a mean tt‐MA of 1431 µg/g Cr exceeding the BEI in male workers exposed to benzene. Our previous study 9 showed similar correspondence of a detected tt‐MA concentration exceeding the BEI in some gasoline station workers at an air benzene concentration of 0.05 ppm, or 50 ppb, as 50% OEL set by NIOSH 6 .…”

Evaluation of Blood Lead Levels and Their Effects on Hematological Parameters and Renal Function in Iranian Lead Mine Workers

“…Workers in their workplace can be potentially exposed to a wide range of harmful occupational factors, including chemicals (dust, gases, and vapors), physical hazards (noise, ionizing radiation, and inappropriate weather conditions), and psychological and ergonomic factors (stress and high mental workload). Exposure to these agents can cause a variety of occupational complications and diseases in workers, such as respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, physiological disorders, and cancers (1)(2)(3)(4).…”