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

Abstract

Objective This study assessed the health risk of benzene exposure among Thai gasoline station workers through biomarker detection and experience of adverse symptoms. Methods Trans, trans‐muconic acid (tt‐MA) metabolites of benzene were analyzed from spot urine sampled among gasoline station workers after shift work using HPLC‐UV. Air benzene monitoring was done with an active sampler connected to a charcoal sorbent tube, and analyzed by GC‐FID. The health risk was calculated by using the biomatrix of the likelihood of benzene exposure and the severity of adverse symptoms. Results The tt‐MA concentration, among 235 workers, ranged from less than 10–2159 µg/g Cr, which corresponded to the air benzene concentration range of <0.1 to 65.8 ppb. In total, 32.3% of workers had a higher than acceptable risk level and there was a significant association between gasoline station work zones and the likelihood of benzene exposure as well as the health risk of workers. The health risk levels estimated from the biomarker monitoring were consistent with the risk matrix of air benzene monitoring. Conclusion This tt‐MA biomarker monitoring and biomatrix of health risk assessment is suggested as useful for health surveillance of gasoline station workers exposed to benzene.

Altered Haematological Parameters in Gasoline Station Workers Due to Benzene Exposure

“…A study of Nigerian petrol attendants found that fuel attendants employed for a period of 27-36 months in the petrol station showed a significant increase in SGPT and SGOT activities compared with other petrol attendants that had spent less time in the petrol station [28]. Additional support from our findings is given in that the workers who had SGPT and SGOT values out of the normal range were all from the risk group which was based on the surveillance biomatrix [19].…”

“…General characteristics, working characteristics, and adverse symptoms from benzene exposure were collected from 20 workers using a structured questionnaire (general information, working experience, PPE usage, and working behaviour) before blood and urine sampling. The severity of the health effect symptoms experienced in the past 3 years, referenced from the study of Chaiklieng [18,19], was indicated according to 5 levels: no symptoms, mild symptoms, moderate symptoms, severe symptoms, and very severe symptoms.…”

“…The likelihood of exposure to benzene was calculated from the tt-MA level and the frequency of benzene exposure according to the classification of working hours. The previous risk assessment via the biomatrix of opportunity levels multiplied by the severity level of benzene exposure was followed, and for this group of workers, the risk levels were as follows: an acceptable risk level (score 1-3), a low risk level (score 4-9), a moderate risk level (score 10-16), a high risk level (score 17-20), and a very high risk level (score 21-25) [19].…”

Benzene and chronic dermatological disorders in gas station workers

“…Varias normas de bioseguridad previenen complicaciones en la salud de los trabajadores, siendo este una parte de control de vigilancia obligatoria. (18,19) La mayor parte de solventes orgánicos son considerados contaminantes ambientales, uno de estos; el benceno, posee una elevada volatilidad y composición peligrosa para la salud, la entrada al cuerpo humano se da por absorción cutánea provocando quemaduras en la piel, irritación oftálmica, existe un daño mucho más crónico en personal encargado de despachar gasolina incluyendo efectos adversos a nivel de sistema nervioso central, hepático y renal. (15,20,21) Montano (9) menciona que existe un alto número de estudios epidemiológicos sobre dermatopatías en países europeos.…”

“…Chaiklieng, et al (19) relatan que en mayor proporción los trabajadores que utilizan benceno poseen un mayor riesgo de padecer enfermedades, se menciona que las personas expuestas pueden llegar a prevenir ciertas alteraciones usando un adecuado método de prevención en el cual consiste en un aseo de manos antes de consumir alimentos y una adecuada capacitación.…”