Assessing the effect of BTEX on blood and spirometry parameters staff in a petroleum refinery

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of BTEX compound on blood and spirometry parameters of staff in the Abadan petroleum refinery (Iran). In 80 staff was examined in terms of BTEX exposure (40 exposed and 40 non-exposed). In this study, the air sampling was carried out according to the NIOSH 1,501 method and an automated hematology analyzer was used to analyze all blood samples to evaluate blood parameters and using a Micro Direct automated computerized spirometer. Spss20 software was used to interpret the performance. According to the obtained results, total BTEX concentrations with the recommended standard level showed that, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, concentrations in Abadan Oil Refining Company Workers' breathing zone were lower than the TLV-TWA recommended by ACGIH. However, the average concentration of benzene was higher than the allowable limit. Therefore, in this study the effect of benzene on the blood and respiratory parameters of the workers was evaluated, the comparison of the blood and respiratory parameters between the groups of exposed and unexposed workers did not reveal any statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.001). The results showed no statistically significant connection between mean blood and spirometry parameters and benzene exposure. Also, based on results the effect of benzene problems needs to be prevented in employees with adequate engineering and management controls and periodic inspection.

Summer and winter variations of BTEX concentrations in an oil refinery complex and health risk assessment based on Monte-Carlo simulations

“…In these studies, it was revealed that benzene concentrations in Mahshar Petroleum facility exceeded the threshold limit value for occupational exposure 8 . Our outcomes stay also in line with the investigations of Jalilian et al 48 , who demonstrated in the study on BTEX effect on blood and spirometry parameters among staff in the Oil Refining Company in Iran, that toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, concentrations in the breathing zones were lower than the TLV-TWA recommended by ACGIH, while the average concentration of benzene exceeded the allowable limit. Thus, it is recommended that facilities like petrochemical plants were equipped in extensive air monitoring to ensure that exposure is below occupational limits, especially for workplaces with higher levels of benzene, where the frequency of controls should be increased 49 .…”

“…Thus, it is recommended that facilities like petrochemical plants were equipped in extensive air monitoring to ensure that exposure is below occupational limits, especially for workplaces with higher levels of benzene, where the frequency of controls should be increased 49 . Various means of protective measures against exposure to BTEX compounds, like adequate engineering, management controls, and periodic inspection, are suggested to protect the employee’s health 48 .…”