Alteración de la función pulmonar en vendedores informales de gasolina expuestos a sus vapores en Maicao, Colombia

Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la exposición a vapores de gasolina sobre la función pulmonar en vendedores informales. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal realizado en expendedores informales de gasolina expuestos a sus vapores en el municipio de Maicao, Colombia. Se registraron datos sociodemográficos, se evaluó la función pulmonar por medio de espirometría, oximetría de pulso y, evaluación de la exposición a biomasa. Resultados: Se evaluaron 74 pacientes. El 87,8% eran de sexo masculino, encontrándose principalmente entre los 18 - 40 años (71,6%). El 21,6% (n=16) de la población reportó tener afecciones respiratorias, el 59,4% obtuvo un VEF1 <80% predicho, el 68,9% un FVC <80% predicho y, el 32,4% un VEF1/FVC <70% predicho. De aquellos que tuvieron espirometría anormal (n=45), el 62,2% reportó tener un tiempo de labor ≥ 5 años. Los síntomas reportados con mayor frecuencia fueron disfonía (14,8%), conjuntivitis (14,8%), epigastralgia (10,8%) y cefalea (9,45%). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la alteración de la espirometría y antecedentes, saturación de oxígeno medida y presencia de afección respiratoria. Conclusión: Este estudio encontró que un porcentaje representativo de vendedores informales de gasolina expuestos a vapores de combustibles en la frontera colombo-venezolana, presentaron alteración en la función pulmonar comprobado por espirometría anormal y, algunos reportaron sintomatología y afección respiratoria. Estos, son principalmente hombres, adultos jóvenes, con nivel socioeconómico y educacional bajo y, expuestos a diario de forma prolongada y por varios años, a gases derivados del manejo de combustibles fósiles.

SUMMARY Objective: To determine the effects of fuel vapor exposure on pulmonary function among informal sellers. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried-out among informal fuel sellers in Maicao, Colombia. Sociodemographic data were gathered as well as pulmonary function by spirometry, pulse oximetry and evaluation of biomass exposure. Results: 74 patients were evaluated; 87.8% were males, 71.6% of them had between 18 to 40 years of age; 21.6% (n=16) reported pulmonary diseases; 59.4% had a predicted FEV1 <80%; 68.9% had a predicted FVC <80% and 32.4% had a predicted FEV1/FVC < 70%. Among those who had abnormal spirometry, (n=45) 62.2% reported to had worked ≥5 years. The most common reported symptoms were dysphonia (14.8%), conjunctivitis (14.8), epigastric pain (10.8) and headache (9.45%). No statistically significant differences were found between spirometry alterations and history of p pulmonary diseases, mean oxygen saturations and presence of a respiratory disease. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a significant proportion of informal fuel sellers exposed to fuel vapors in the Colombian-Venezuelan border had derangement of the pulmonary function measured by spirometry and that some of them reported symptoms and respiratory disease. Young male adults of low socioeconomic and educational levels with prolonged exposure to fuel vapors are mostly affected.

Occupational hazard analysis of volatile components of oil products on employees in gas stations in the town of Xixiang , Baoan District, Shenzhen / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the health status of employees in Guangdong gas stations and analyze the factors of occupational hazards. Methods According to the records of the provincial comprehensive information system, and the division of administrative regions, a random sampling method was used to detect 22 street gas stations in the town of Xixiang, Baoan District, Shenzhen, with 335 related employees included. The hazardous factors of volatile chemical compositions were analyzed, and the results of occupational health examinations of gas station workers were evaluated. Results The occupational hazards in the volatile organic components of each oil product at 22 gas stations were analyzed, and the results showed that they all met the national standards. The occupational health status was evaluated on all employees in the gas stations in this survey. Most of them did not find any occupational hazards, but the health status of the staff in the duty room was better than that of the staff beside the tanker. Conclusion The gas station workers were at the general occupational hazard risk, but occupational protection also needs to be strengthened. Regular inspection of oil and gas recovery devices is required to improve the airtightness. Regular occupational training should be conducted to further standardize vocational operation.

Workplace Diesel Exhausts and Gasoline Exposure and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Four Nordic Countries

BACKGROUND: Evidence on associations between occupational diesel exhaust and gasoline exposure and colorectal cancer is limited. We aimed to assess the effect of workplace exposure to diesel exhaust and gasoline on the risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS: This caseecontrol study included 181,709 colon cancer and 109,227 rectal cancer cases diagnosed between 1961 and 2005 in Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Cases and controls were identified from the Nordic Occupational Cancer Study cohort and matched for country, birth year, and sex. Diesel exhaust and gasoline exposure values were assigned by country-specific job-exposure matrices. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by using conditional logistic regression models. The results were adjusted for physical strain at work and occupational exposure to benzene, formaldehyde, ionizing radiation, chlorinated hydrocarbons, chromium, and wood dust. RESULTS: Diesel exhaust exposure was associated with a small increase in the risk of rectal cancer (odds ratio 1/4 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.08). Gasoline exposure was not associated with colorectal cancer risk. CONCLUSION: This study showed a small risk increase for rectal cancer after workplace diesel exhaust exposure. However, this finding could be due to chance, given the limitations of the study.

Ototoxicity of hydrocarbons present in gasoline: a literature review / Ototoxicidade dos hidrocarbonetos presentes na gasolina: uma revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the toxicity effects of major hydrocarbons present in gasoline on the auditory system and the related mechanisms of action. Methods: a literature review between 2005 and 2015 was conducted using LILACS, MEDLINE and SciELO, by combining descriptors and their respective terms in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Results: studies performed in humans and animals with hearing impairment, confirmed by morphological tests in rats, the influence of factors such as dose, duration, species and type of stimulus in hearing loss, and ineffective protection of workers by the threshold levels of exposure in the mixture of the compounds, were chosen. Conclusion: toluene is regarded as an ototoxic compound that damages outer hair cells in the middle region of the cochlea, with evidence of interaction with noise. Ethylbenzene and xylenes can be considered potentially ototoxic based on the results of animal studies. No sufficient data were found on benzene to form a conclusion.

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar levantamento sobre a toxicidade ao sistema auditivo e os respectivos mecanismos de ação provocados pelos principais hidrocarbonetos presentes na gasolina. Métodos: revisão bibliográfica, entre os anos de 2005 a 2015, realizada nas bases LILACS, MEDLINE e SciELO, por meio da combinação de descritores e seus respectivos termos em português, inglês e espanhol. Resultados: foram identificados estudos em animais e humanos com danos auditivos confirmados por exames morfológicos em ratos; influência de fatores como dose, duração, espécie e tipo de estímulo na perda auditiva; e insuficiência de proteção dos trabalhadores pelos níveis limites de exposição na mistura dos compostos. Conclusão: de acordo com os resultados, tolueno é considerado ototóxico, lesando células ciliadas externas em região média da cóclea, com evidências de interação com ruído; etilbenzeno e xilenos podem ser considerados potencialmente ototóxicos, devido a estudos com animais; e sobre o benzeno não foram encontrados dados suficientes para conclusões.

Quantitative Analysis of Blended Gasoline Octane Number Using Raman Spectroscopy with Backward Interval Partial Least Squares Method / 分析化学

The feature of gasoline Raman spectra which were used to study the quantitative analysis of the research octane number (RON) were extracted for the first time using backward interval partial least squares (BiPLS). In the experiment, the sample set partitioning based on joint x-y distances (SPXY) method was used to divide the training set, the cross validation set and the test set. And the robust regression algorithm was used to remove the abnormal sample. The partial least squares model was established using feature selected by the BiPLS algorithm. Compared with the model without feature selection, it was shown that the backward interval partial least squares algorithm could reduce the input dimension by 50.00%, and the root mean square error of cross validation(RMSECV) by 18.92% and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) by 13. 86%. The backward interval partial least squares algorithm can effectively extract the feature from gasoline Raman spectrum,reduce the model complexity, and improve the prediction accuracy of the model,and has great application prospect in the quantitative analysis of research octane number.

Comparación de sensibilidad y especificidad de dos técnicas de diagnóstico directo: kato-katz-saf y ritchie-frick (formol-gasolina) en examen coproparasitológico para la identificación de estadios infectivos de geohelmintos en población infantil en edad preescolar y escolar / Comparison of sensitivity and specificity of two direct diagnostic techniques: kato-katz-saf and ritchie-frick (formol-gasolina) examination showed for the identification of infective stages of geohelminths in children age preschool and school / Comparação de sensibilidade e especificidade de duas técnicas diagnósticas directas: exames de kato-katz-saf e ritchie-frick (formol-gasolina) mostrados para a identificação de etapas infectivas de geohelminths em população infantil em edição pré-escola e escolar

RESUMEN Introducción: Las parasitosis intestinales causadas por geohelmintos son consideradas un problema de salud pública que afectan principalmente a países en va de desarrollo y son proclives a presentarse en población infantil. Los métodos diagnósticos para identificar estas entidades parasitarias son el coprológico directo y las técnicas de concentración. El método establecido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud-OMS para identificar y cuantificar geohelmintiasis es el Kato-Katz; sin embargo, este no permite realizarse en trabajos de campo con periodos de tiempo prolongados, debido a que su análisis debe llevarse a cabo en las primeras 48 horas de toma de la muestra de materia fecal. Objetivo: Implementar el uso del fijador SAF (Acetato de sodio - Ácido acético - Formaldehído) en la técnica de Kato-Katz-OMS y evaluar la estabilidad de las estructuras de las entidades parasitarias, después de un periodo de doce meses de toma muestra y realizar comparación con la técnica de concentración Ritchie-Frick modificada (formol-gasolina), para determinar los valores de sensibilidad-S, especificidad-E, valor predictivo positivo-VPP y negativo-VPN y determinar la prevalencia del parasitismo intestinal y sus posibles variables asociadas en la comunidad infantil en edad preescolar y escolar del municipio de Chaguaní Cundinamarca. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron 67 muestras correspondientes a toda la población infantil en edad preescolar y escolar del área urbana del municipio de Chaguaní Cundinamarca, las cuales fueron valoradas por los métodos de Kato-Katz-SAF y concentración de Ritchie-Frick modificada (formol-gasolina) y posterior análisis microscópico. Resultados: La prevalencia de geohelmintiasis fue de 46,3%, la técnica de Kato-Katz-SAF presentó valores de S, E, VPP y VPN del 100% y la técnica de concentración de Ritchie-Frick modificada (formol-gasolina) S 60,8%, E y VPP 100% respectivamente y VPN 62,1%; la prevalencia para protozoos por este método fue de 65,7% hallándose agentes etiológicos patógenos y de carácter zoonótico. Se identificó que las variables onicofagia, consumo de agua sin proceso de cloración o hervido, presencia de vectores mecánicos, convivencia con animales domésticos como caninos, hacinamiento en la vivienda y uso poco frecuente de calzado, son variables de posible asociación estadística con la presencia de entidades parasitarias. Se determinó nivel de parasitemia por geohelmintiasis leve para esta población. Conclusión: El estudio reveló que el uso del reactivo de SAF puede implementarse en trabajos de campo prolongados conservando los estadios infectivos de las entidades geohelmínticas como: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura y Uncinarias por un periodo de hasta doce meses.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The intestinal parasitic diseases caused by geohelminths are considered a public health problem that primarily affect developing countries and are likely to occur in children. The diagnostic methods to identify these parasitic entities are the direct stool and concentration techniques. The method established by the World Organization of the Health-WHO to identify and quantify geohelmintiasis is the Kato-Katz; however, this does not occur in fieldwork with long periods of time, since analysis should be performed in the first 48 hours of the sampling of fecal matter. Objective: Implement the use of SAF fixative (sodium acetate - acetic acid - formaldehyde) in the technique of Ka-to-Katz-WHO and to assess the stability of the structures of the entities parasitic, after a period of twelve months of taking shows and make comparison with the technique of modified Ritchie-Frick (formol-gasoline) concentration, to determine the values of sensitivity-S, specificity-E, predictive value PPV-positive and negative-VPN and determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitism and its possible variables associated in the infant community preschool and in schools of the municipality of Chaguanín Cundinamarca. Materials and methods: 67 samples corresponding to the entire child population at preschool and school age of the urban area of the municipality of Chaguani in Cundinamarca, which were valued by the methods of Kato-Katz-SAF and concentration of modified Ritchie-Frick (formol-gasoline) and subsequent microscopic analysis. Results: The prevalence of geohelmintiasis was 46.3%, the technique of Kato-Katz-SAF presented values of S, E, VPP, and 100% and VPN technique of concentration of modified Ritchie-Frick (formol-gasoline) 60.8% S, E and VPP 100% respectively and VPN 62.1%; the prevalence for protozoa by this method was 65.7% being etiologic agents pathogenic and zoonotic character. It was identified as variables onicofagia, consumption of water without boiling or chlorination process, the presence of mechanical vectors, coexistence with domestic animals such as dogs, overcrowded housing and less frequent use of footwear, are variables of possible statistical association with the presence of parasitic entities. Level of parasitemia was determined by mild geohelmintiasis for this population. Conclusion: Study revealed that the use of SAF reagent can be deployed in field work extended to conserving the infective stages of entities as geohelminths: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms for a period of up to twelve months.

RESUMO Introdução: As doenças parasitárias intestinais causadas por geohelmintos são consideradas um problema de saúde pública que afeta principalmente os países em desenvolvimento e é provável que ocorram em crianças. Os métodos de diagnóstico para identificar essas entidades parasitas são as fezes diretas e as técnica de concentração. O método estabelecido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde-OMS para identificar e quantificar geohelmintiasis é o Kato-Katz; No entanto, isso não ocorre no trabalho de campo com longos períodos de tempo, uma vez que a análise deve ser realizada nas primeiras 48 horas da amostragem de matéria fecal. Objetivo: Implementar o uso de fixador SAF (acetato de sódio - ácido acético - formaldeído) na técnica de Kato-Katz-OMS e avaliar a estabilidade das estruturas das entidades parasitárias, após um período de doze meses de exibição e exibição comparação com a técnica de concentração modificada de Ritchie-Frick (formol-gasolina), para determinar os valores de sensibilidade-S, especificidade-E, valor preditivo PPV-positivo e VPN negativo e determinar a prevalência de parasitismo intestinal e suas possíveis variáveis associadas na comunidade pré-escolar da comunidade infantil e nas escolas do município de Chaguanín Cundinamarca. Materiais e métodos: 67 amostras correspondentes a toda a população infantil na idade pré-escolar e escolar da área urbana do município de Chaguani em Cundinamarca, que foram avaliadas pelos métodos de Kato-Katz-SAF e concentração de Ritchie-Frick modificado (formol -gasolina) e posterior análise microscópica. Resultados: A prevalência de geohelmintiasis foi de 46,3%, a técnica de Kato-Katz-SAF apresentou valores de S, E, VPP e 100% e VPN de concentração de Ritchie-Frick modificada (formol-gasolina) 60,8% S, E e VPP 100% respectivamente e VPN 62,1%; A prevalência de protozoários por este método foi de 65,7% sendo agentes etiológicos patogênicos e de caráter zoonótico. Identificou-se como variáveis onicofagia, consumo de água sem processo de ebulição ou cloração, presença de vetores mecânicos, coexistência com animais domésticos, como cães, carcaça superlotada e uso menos freqüente de calçados, variáveis de possível associação estatística com a presença de parasitas entidades. O nível de parasitemia foi determinado por geohelmintiasis leve para esta população. Conclusão: O estudo revelou que o uso do reagente SAF pode ser implantado em trabalhos de campo estendidos para conservar os estádios infecciosos das entidades como geohelminas: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e ancilostomídeos por um período de até 12 meses.

Changes in the microbial community during bioremediation of gasoline-contaminated soil

Abstract We aimed to verify the changes in the microbial community during bioremediation of gasoline-contaminated soil. Microbial inoculants were produced from successive additions of gasoline to municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) previously fertilized with nitrogen-phosphorous. To obtain Inoculant A, fertilized MSWC was amended with gasoline every 3 days during 18 days. Inoculant B received the same application, but at every 6 days. Inoculant C included MSWC fertilized with N–P, but no gasoline. The inoculants were applied to gasoline-contaminated soil at 10, 30, or 50 g/kg. Mineralization of gasoline hydrocarbons in soil was evaluated by respirometric analysis. The viability of the inoculants was evaluated after 103 days of storage under refrigeration or room temperature. The relative proportions of microbial groups in the inoculants and soil were evaluated by FAME. The dose of 50 g/kg of inoculants A and B led to the largest CO2 emission from soil. CO2 emissions in treatments with inoculant C were inversely proportional to the dose of inoculant. Heterotrophic bacterial counts were greater in soil treated with inoculants A and B. The application of inoculants decreased the proportion of actinobacteria and increased of Gram-negative bacteria. Decline in the density of heterotrophic bacteria in inoculants occurred after storage. This reduction was bigger in inoculants stored at room temperature. The application of stored inoculants in gasoline-contaminated soil resulted in a CO2 emission twice bigger than that observed in uninoculated soil. We concluded that MSWC is an effective material for the production of microbial inoculants for the bioremediation of gasoline-contaminated soil.

Caracterização do perfil auditivo de frentistas de postos de combustível / Characterization of hearing profile of gas station attendants

RESUMO Introdução Pesquisas voltadas para as populações com baixas exposições a solventes, ou exposições dentro dos níveis de tolerância permitidos em âmbito ocupacional ainda são restritas. Objetivo Caracterizar o perfil auditivo de frentistas de postos de combustíveis. Métodos Estudo transversal, constituído por dois grupos, pareados por gênero e idade: Grupo Controle - 23 indivíduos sem exposição a ruído ou agentes químicos; Grupo Experimental - 21 frentistas de postos de combustíveis. Foi realizada avaliação audiológica, composta por audiometria tonal liminar, logoaudiometria e medidas de imitância acústica. A análise estatística utilizou cálculo de média, desvio padrão, valor mínimo e máximo, teste Qui-quadrado e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados Foram verificadas alterações auditivas nos frentistas, caracterizadas por comprometimento no sistema auditivo periférico, sugerindo ação tóxica da exposição a combustíveis. Houve correlação entre idade e tempo de exposição a solvente. Na comparação entre os grupos, o reflexo acústico demonstrou maior número de alterações no grupo experimental, com diferença para os reflexos acústicos ipsilaterais da orelha direita e contralaterais da orelha esquerda. Conclusão Não houve diferença entre os grupos para os limiares auditivos, porém, a diferença verificada nos reflexos acústicos ipsilaterais e contralaterais no grupo experimental sugere comprometimento retrococlear. Diante das evidências observadas neste estudo, considera-se relevante incluir a pesquisa do reflexo acústico na avaliação auditiva dos frentistas, bem como a integração desta categoria profissional aos programas de prevenção de perda auditiva.

ABSTRACT Introduction Researches into populations with low solvent exposures, or exposures within tolerance levels allowed in the occupational field are still restricted. Purpose To characterize the hearing profile of gas station attendants. Methods Cross-sectional study, constituted of two groups, matched by gender and age: Control Group - 23 subjects without exposure to noise or chemicals; Experimental Group - 21 gas station attendants. An audiological evaluation was performed, composed by pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and acoustic impedance tests. The statistical analysis used average calculation, standard deviation, minimum and maximum value; Chi-square Test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The significance level was 5%. Results Hearing loss was verified in gas station attendants characterized by impairment of the peripheral auditory system, suggesting toxic effects of exposure to fuels. There was a correlation between age and solvent exposure time. Comparing the groups, the acoustic reflex showed more alterations in the experimental group, with a difference for the ipsilateral acoustic reflexes of the right ear and contralateral ones of the left ear. Conclusion There was no difference between the groups for the hearing thresholds; however, the difference observed in the ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflexes in the experimental group suggests retrocochlear impairment. Due to the evidence observed in this study, it is considered relevant to include the acoustic reflex research in the auditory evaluation of the gas station attendants, as well as the integration of this professional category into hearing loss prevention programs.

Evaluation of the viability of BEAS-2B cells exposed to gasoline engine exhaust with different particle sizes by air-liquid interface / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the viability of gasoline engine exhaust (GEE) with different particle sizes on human lung cell line BEAS-2B in vitro by air-liquid interface (ALI) .@*Methods@#GEE were collected with a Tedlar bag and their particulate matter (PM) number, surface and mass concentration in three kind of GEE (filtered automobile exhaust, non-filtered automobile exhaust and motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter) were measured by two type of particle size spectrometer including TSI-3321 and SMPS-3938. Five groups were included, which divided into blank control group, clean air group, filtered automobile exhaust group, non-filtered automobile exhaust group and motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter group. Except the blank control group, BEAS-2B cells, cultured on the surface of Transwells, were treated with clean air or GEE by ALI method at a flow rate of 25 ml/min, 37 ℃ for 60 min in vitro. CCK-8 cytotoxicity test kit was used to determine the cell relative viability of BEAS-2B cells.@*Results@#In the filtered automobile exhaust, non-filtered automobile exhaust and motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter, high concentrations of fine particles can be detected, but the coarse particles only accounted for a small proportion, and the sequence of PM concentration was motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter group> non-filtered automobile exhaust group> filtered automobile exhaust group (P<0.001) . Compared with the clean air group, the cell relative viability in the 3 GEE-exposed groups were significantly lower (P<0.001) . Among the comparisons of GEE exposure groups with different particle size spectra, the sequence of the cell relative viability was filtered automobile exhaust group >non-filtered automobile exhaust group> motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter group (P<0.001) . When took the clean air control group as a reference, the mean of the cell relative viability in the filtered automobile exhaust group, non-filtered automobile exhaust group and motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter group, was decreased by 26.34%, 36.00% and 49.59%, respectively.@*Conclusion@#GEE with different particle size spectra could induce different levels of toxic effects to the human lung cells BEAS-2B by ALI. After lowering the concentration of particles in the GEE and using the three-way catalytic converter could obviously improve the survival rate of lung cells.

A Method of Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis on Fluid Catalytic Cracking Full Range Gasoline by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Coupled with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

A method of qualitative and quantitative analysis on fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) full range gasoline by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF MS) was established. The results showed that paraffins, olefins, naphthenes and aromatics in FCC gasoline had regional and zonal distribution in two-dimensional contour plots. The distinctions of boiling points and polarity between different compounds were used to achieve the accurate separation and determination in GC×GC-TOF MS analysis, and consequently the co-current flow which was often present in the conventional GC analysis was greatly suppressed. The difference of ionizing efficiency between different compounds was modified by response factors, and moreover, a good quantitative dependency was found between the analysis results of GC and GC×GC-TOF MS on FCC gasoline. Due to the high separation resolution, GC×GC-TOF MS gave more accurate results about the group compositions of FCC gasoline. GC×GC-TOF MS provided an effective way with high precision for the characterization of FCC gasoline.

Longitudinal trends of blood lead levels before and after leaded gasoline regulation in Korea

The objective of this study was to verify a change in the longitudinal trend of blood lead levels for the Korean population, before and after the regulation of leaded gasoline— which occurred between 1987 and 1993 in Korea. A total of 77 reports on blood lead levels among general Korean population between 1981 and 2014 were selected, and the results were summarized to have the variables of year, number of subjects, the subjects’ range in age, gender, and blood lead concentrations (arithmetic mean). The annual average atmospheric lead levels for four major cities (i.e., Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju) were collected from the Air Pollution Monitoring Database from 1991, and pilot studies from 1985 to 1990 before the national air quality monitoring system was launched in 1991. Blood lead levels were visualized in a bubble plot in which the size of each bubble represented the sample size of each study, and the annual average concentrations in ambient air were depicted on line graphs. Blood lead levels in the Korean population tended to gradually increase from the early 1980s (approximately 15-20 μg/dL) until 1990-1992 (20-25 μg/dL). Blood lead levels then began to rapidly decrease until 2014 ( < 2 μg/dL). Similar patterns were observed for both adults (≥20 years) and younger children/adolescents. The same longitudinal trend was observed in annual average atmospheric lead concentration, which suggests a significant correlation between air lead concentration and blood lead concentration in the general population. In conclusion, the regulation of leaded gasoline has significantly contributed to the rapid change in blood lead concentrations. And, the regulation of other sources of lead exposure should be considered to further decrease blood lead levels in the Korean population.

Antioxidant Trace Metals among Roadside Petrol Dispensers in Gombe State, Nigeria.

Background: The number of people found to be exposed to gasoline is of public health concern. In developed countries, unlike developing countries, measures are taken to dispense gasoline quickly and safely to reduce exposure. In Nigeria, roadside dispensers are a common sight, often with no any form of protection. This leads to high levels of exposure with the consequences including oxidative injuries. As cofactors in antioxidant reactions, antioxidant trace metals are consumed in the process of converting the free radicals generated by petrol. Methods: Antioxidant trace metals (zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium) were compared between 90 road side dispensers of gasoline and 90 matched controls. Plasma zinc, selenium, manganese and copper ware analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: The mean age of the exposed and control groups are 29.03±3.7 and 29.24±3.5 years respectively. Antioxidant trace metals zinc (64.7±6.09 µg/dl), manganese (7.93±1.32 µg/dl) and copper (77.8±7.38 µg/dl) of the exposed were significantly (p< 0.001) lower than the controls (100.2±9.58 µg/dl, 9.22±1.19 µg/dl and 103.8±20.09 µg/dl respectively). Selenium (0.03±0.008 µg/dl) was significantly (p< 0.001) higher in the exposed group compared to the controls (0.01±0.0023 µg/dl). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated lower level of antioxidant trace metals in roadside dispensers of gasoline compared to the controls. This indicates that those exposed are probably at greater risk of developing chronic diseases associated with increase oxidative stress. Enforcing legislation on roadside gasoline dispensing may reduce the risk.

An Unexpected Death Related to Accidental Gasoline Inhalation / 대한법의학회지

Gasoline is a chemical compound of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, and it easily vaporizes because of its volatile characteristics. Gasoline inhalation may occur accidentally or intentionally in various situations which could result in acute non-lethal or lethal intoxication. Given that gasoline is widely used in everyday life, it is surprising that deaths related to gasoline inhalation rarely occur. We presented a rare case of unexpected death related to gasoline inhalation with the postmortem findings and features.

The Effects of Exposure to Petrol Vapours on Growth, Haematological Parameters and Oxidative Markers in Sprague-Dawley Male Rats

Background: Petrol is known to be hazardous to human health and is associated with various health effects, such as haematotoxicity and oxidative stress. Although Malaysia has adopted the European fuel quality standards in recent years in order to reduce petroleum pollutants and to improve air quality, gasoline with research octane number 95 (RON95), believed to contain benzene and other toxic substances, is still widely used all over the country. This study assessed the effect of RON95 gasoline on haemtological parameters of rats after 11 weeks of exposure. Methods: A total of 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: control (exposed to ambient air daily) and gasoline exposed (exposed to petrol fumes at 11.13 ± 1.1cm3/h for 6h daily, 6 days/week) groups. Body weight was monitored daily. At the end of 11 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, bone marrow was extracted for cytological examination, and blood samples were collected for a full blood picture examination, full blood counts and oxidative markers. Results: The results show that gasoline inhalation was associated with a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the rate of weight gain and a reduction in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution width. It was also observed that the inhalation of gasoline was associated with changes in the nuclei of megakaryocytes, hence causing an increase in the percentage of abnormal megakaryocytes with detached nuclei, hypo-lobulation and/or disintegration. However, the inhalation of gasoline did not cause significant changes in oxidative markers in the erythrocytes. Conclusion: This study shows that 11 weeks of inhaling RON95 petrol vapours caused adverse effects on weight gain, blood cell indices and bone marrow megakaryocytes, but did not cause significant changes in oxidative markers in erythrocytes. The definitive effects of these changes on health require further confirmation.

Biofiltration of volatile organic compounds of Brazilian gasoline

Gasoline vapors pollute the atmosphere and can be harmful to human and animal health. Tons of particles of this pollutant are expelled to the atmosphere, generating great economic losses to the industries and serious damage to the environment. Biofiltration is an option of simple technology with low costs that can be used for the gasoline vapor treatment. The present study was carried out in two biofilter systems of laboratorial scale. The biofilter system 1 was operated with a total volume of 2.72 L (four columns) and the biofilter 2 with 2.04 L (three columns) of total volume. Both of them were operated in sequence, with airflow of 450 mL entering each one. Results obtained were as follows for the removal efficiency (RE) of different gasoline vapor concentrations in the air: 1.3 g.m-3 during 35 days, RE of 100%; 3 g.m-3 during 52 days, RE of 90%; 4.5 g.m-3 during 48 days, RE of 70-80% and 8g.m-3 during 28 days, RE of 70%.

Human risk assessment of benzene after a gasoline station fuel leak / Avaliacao de risco humano a benzeno apos vazamento de combustivel em posto de gasolina / Evaluacion de riesgo humano al benceno posterior al derrame de combustible en gasolinera

OBJECTIVE: To assess the health risk of exposure to benzene for a community affected by a fuel leak. METHODS: Data regarding the fuel leak accident with, which occurred in the Brasilia, Federal District, were obtained from the Fuel Distributor reports provided to the environmental authority. Information about the affected population (22 individuals) was obtained from focal groups of eight individuals. Length of exposure and water benzene concentration were estimated through a groundwater flow model associated with a benzene propagation model. The risk assessment was conducted according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry methodology. RESULTS: A high risk perception related to the health consequences of the accident was evident in the affected community (22 individuals), probably due to the lack of assistance and a poor risk communication from government authorities and the polluting agent. The community had been exposed to unsafe levels of benzene (> 5 µg/L) since December 2001, five months before they reported the leak. The mean benzene level in drinking water (72.2 µg/L) was higher than that obtained by the Fuel Distributer using the Risk Based Corrective Action methodology (17.2 µg/L).The estimated benzene intake from the consumption of water and food reached a maximum of 0.0091 µg/kg bw/day (5 x 10-7 cancer risk per 106 individuals). The level of benzene in water vapor while showering reached 7.5 µg/m3 for children (1 per 104 cancer risk). Total cancer risk ranged from 110 to 200 per 106 individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The population affected by the fuel leak was exposed to benzene levels that might have represented a health risk. Local government authorities need to develop better strategies to respond rapidly to these ...

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os riscos à saúde da exposição ao benzeno de comunidade afetada por acidente de vazamento de combustível. MÉTODOS: Dados de acidente de vazamento de combustível ocorrido em Brasília, DF, em 2002, foram obtidos dos relatórios produzidos pelo distribuidor de combustível e submetidos a autoridade ambiental. Informação sobre a população afetada foi obtida em grupos focais com oito participantes. Foram estimados o tempo de exposição e concentração de benzeno na água usando modelo de fluxo subterrâneo acoplado a outro de transporte. A avaliação de risco foi conduzida de acordo com a metodologia da Agência de Registro de Substâncias Tóxicas e Doenças ( Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ). RESULTADOS: Alta percepção de risco à saúde relacionada ao acidente foi observada na população afetada (22 indivíduos), provavelmente devido à falta de assistência e à comunicação de risco deficiente do governo e agente poluidor. A comunidade esteve exposta a níveis inseguros de benzeno na água (> 5 µg/L) a partir de dezembro de 2001, cinco meses antes de ser reportado o vazamento. A concentração média de benzeno na água consumida (72,2 µg/L) foi maior que aquela estimada pelo distribuidor usando a metodologia Ação Corretiva Baseada em Risco ( Risk Based Corrective Action ) (17,2 µg/L). A ingestão estimada de benzeno pelo consumo de água e frutas alcançou 0,0091 µg/kg pc/dia (risco de 5 x 10-7 câncer per 106 indivíduos). O nível de benzeno no vapor d´água durante o banho atingiu 7,5 µg/m3 para ...

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los riesgos para la salud de la exposición al benceno en comunidad afectada por accidente de derrame de combustible. MÉTODOS: Datos del accidente ocurrido en el Distrito Federal (Brasil), fueron obtenidos de los informes realizados por el distribuidor de combustible y sometidos a la autoridad ambienta. Información sobre la población afectada fue obtenida en grupos focales con 8 participantes. Se hicieron estimaciones del tiempo de exposición y concentración de benceno en el agua usando modelo de flujo subterráneo acoplado a otro de transporte. La evaluación de riesgo fue conducida de acuerdo con la metodología de la "Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry". RESULTADOS: Alta percepción de riesgo para la salud relacionada con el accidente fue observada en la población afectada (22 individuos), probablemente debido a la falta de asistencia y a la comunicación de riesgo deficiente del gobierno y agente contaminante. La comunidad estuvo expuesta a niveles inseguros de benceno en el agua (>5 µg/L) a partir de diciembre de 2001, cinco meses antes de ser reportado el derrame. La concentración promedio de benceno en el agua consumida (72,2 µg/L) fue mayor que la estimada por el distribuidor usando la metodología "Risk Based Corrective Action" (17,2 µg/L). La ingestión estimada de benceno por el consumo de agua y frutas alcanzó 0,0091 µg/kg pc/día (riesgo de 5 x 10-7 de cáncer per 106 individuos). El nivel de benceno en el vapor de agua durante el baño alcanzó 7,5 µg/m3 en niños (riesgo de cáncer de hasta 1 per 104). El Riesgo carcinogénico total fue de 110 a 200 per 106 individuos. CONCLUSIONES: La población afectada por el derrame de combustible estuvo expuesta ...

Environmental monitoring of adulterated gasoline with kerosene and their assessment at exhaust level.

Fuel adulteration increases the emission of total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and respirable particulate matter , and thus adds to air pollution. The study examined the effects of mixing of different percentage of kerosene with petrol on the motorized rickshaw exhausts in terms of volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene) and total suspended particulate matter (SPM). The personal sampler was used for sampling, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for quantification of compounds. Concentration of volatile organic compounds significantly decreased (p<0.001) along with the increase in fraction of kerosene in petrol. The level of benzene in exhausts while, using petrol (100 %) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of three combinations used in this study (75% petrol + 25% kerosene, 50% petrol + 50% kerosene and 25% petrol + 75% kerosene). Similar trend was observed for toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene also. The mean concentration of benzene, toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene were 31.34, 160.93, 10.07 and 5.58 mg m-3 in pure petrol, while 12.30, 51.41,4.89 and 3.16 mg m-3 for fuel combination 75% petrol + 25% kerosene. The observed levels of benzene, toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene were 9.12, 41.04, 4.33 and 2.91 mg m-3 for fuel mixture having 50% petrol with 50% kerosene and levels were 8.36, 20.05, 3.82 and 2.95 mg m-3 were for 25% petrol with 75% kerosene fuel combination. The levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) increased along with the increase in fraction of kerosene in petrol. The data generated is useful to understand the common volatile organic compounds trend with the increasing fraction of kerosene in petrol.

Propagação de compostos da gasolina em solos: 1. zona não saturada / Propagation of the gasoline compounds in the soil: 1. unsaturated zone

Esse trabalho descreve o estudo da propagação de tolueno na zona não saturada do solo. Mostram-se o procedimento experimental desenvolvido em colunas de laboratório, os resultados experimentais obtidos, uma análise dos resultados aplicando-se modelagem matemática, a análise estatística aplicada ao denominado modelo de puffs de simulação da dispersão e uma discussão do prosseguimento desse trabalho.

This work describes the study of the propagation of toluene in the unsaturated zone of the ground. It is shown the experimental procedure in laboratory columns. The gotten experimental results and their analysis with a mathematical modeling are shown. Also is shown an analysis statistics applied to the called the puffs' models of the dispersion simulation and a quarrel of the continuation of this work.

Tribological Issues Related to the Use of Biofuels: A New Environmental Challenge.

Due to gradual depletion of world petroleum reserves and the impact of environmental pollution of increasing exhaust emissions, there is an urgent need for suitable alternative fuels for use in engines. The heightened awareness of green house gas emissions and global warming compels introduction of more stringent environmental regulations worldwide. Renewable biofuels are considered potential solution for these problems. But use of biofuel is creating tribology related new challenges world over. In this paper a critical analysis of tribology related issue of three main biofuels, namely Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO), biodiesel and alcohols are discussed. Many issues like lubricity of blends, carbon deposit, viscosity, corrosion of engine components, etc are discussed in detail. Quality control of biofuels, identified as a key factor for sustainable market growth of these fuels and can lead to many tribological issues. In this regard a dire need for global harmonized standards is also discussed. Different solutions for alcohol fuel related engine problems are discussed. Critical discussion in relation to the problems due to the use of SVO in engine, like engine performance decrease, injector choking, oil ring sticking, etc took place in this paper. Potential solutions to these problems found by academia as well as industry are discussed here.

Case of Chemical Pneumonitis and Cellulitis after Suicide Attempt by Arteriovenous Fistula Injection of Gasoline

While much is known concerning intoxication by aspiration of volatile hydrocarbon products, knowledge of intravenous injection of these distillates is rare. This article is a review of various complications after intravascular injection of gasoline. We report a rare case of a suicide attempt of by a male who had chronic renal failure with arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The suicide attempt involved injection of gasoline into the AVF site. After the injection, dermal problem and mild dyspnea developed due to pulmonary edema. These symptoms and radiologic finding of pulmonary edema were similar to those caused by the inhalation of gasoline. The characteristic damage following gasoline inhalation is similar to the present case, and occurs when the gasoline gas spreads to the lung alveoli. In this patient, gasoline entered the AVF site, and the patient developed a soft-tissue phlegmon and cellulitis on the forearm. We did an incision and decompression of the wound, and recreated the AVF site. Two weeks later, the wound was clean and the patient was discharged. The major change after injection of gasoline into the AVF site was chemical pneumonitis, wound inflammation, phlegmon, and malfunction of the AVF site.