Relationship between Symptoms, Use of PPE and Habits Related to Occupational Exposure to BTEX Compounds in Workers of Gas Stations in Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

To show the risks and harm caused by the occupational exposure to the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes compounds (BTEX), the working conditions of 113 persons employed at gas stations in the cities of Riachão do Jacuipe, Feira de Santana and Salvador in the state of Bahia, Brazil were investigated by experts who correlated protection measures required by law and those applied to the workers. Data collection was performed by help of a questionnaire and non-participant observation record. The age groups of the workers in the three cities surveyed were between 18 to 25 years (30.08%) and 26 to 33 years (34.51%) of the total. The study revealed an association between occupational habits of workers at gas stations and the prevalence of symptoms due to the exposure to the BTEX compounds. Regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) most workers wear boots. The data show that these workers reported symptoms such as headache, rhinitis, leg pain, drowsiness, cough, fatigue, insomnia, tremors and palpitations. These disorders are related back to previous exposure to BTEX compounds which is associated with inadequate occupational habits of the workers which potentiate chemical contamination in their respective environment.

The concentration of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene in ambient air of the gas stations in Iran: A systematic review and probabilistic health risk assessment

“…In contrast with the results of our study, the results of carcinogenic risk assessments in Thailand (Bangkok) and Brazil gas stations showed that workers were at increased risk for cancer due to exposure to BTEX (Alves et al, 2017; Correa et al, 2012). But the results of another study in Thailand were in agreement with the results of our study (Kitwattanavong et al, 2013).…”

“…However, no evidence of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity for toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene has been documented (Abtahi et al, 2018). Among workers, exposure to BTEX has demonstrated symptoms, such as headaches, cough, fatigue, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, depression, and asthma (Alves et al, 2017; Cruz et al, 2017; Santiago et al, 2019). Stomach pain and respiratory problems have also been reported among the gas station workers (John, 2016).…”

Factors affecting prevalence of neurological symptoms among workers at gasoline stations in Rayong Province, Thailand

“…Additionally, according to a Thai study by Chaiklieng and Praengkrathok [37], refueling workers experienced headache/confusion/fatigue at 68.7%. Similarly, several studies suggested headache as a predominant symptom due to the exposure to organic solvents [19,29,38] since organic solvents have a mechanism capable of passing through the blood brain barrier as well as of depressing and interfering with neurotransmitter functions [39]. Evidence of brain abnormalities was reported on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests in patients with exposure to substances in fuel for 18 months [15] and is therefore academic data supporting the linkage of organic solvents and neurological symptoms.…”

“…For health behaviors, such as alcohol consumption among workers exposed to organic solvents, those who regularly or occasionally drank alcohols had more neurological symptoms than non-drinkers [25,26]. For smoking [27,28], it affected the response of autoimmunity system, caused the inflammation, and increased the risk of multiple sclerosis [29]. It might be possible that the samples had homogenous data due to their similar age and year of work, etc.…”

Imunophenotypic Evaluation as a Tool for Monitoring Risks for Blood Malignancies in Gas Station Workers

“…With regard to symptoms, we observed a higher prevalence of many medical complaints, with statistical significance for headaches and paresthesia. Although Mitri et al, (2015) and Alves et al, (2017) reported similar symptoms in Brazilian gas station workers, in both studies there were no control groups to compare and assure the relevance of the reported data. In Alves et al, (2017) it was not clear whether workers were evaluated by a physician, as recommended by National and International Health Agencies.…”