Occupational exposure of petroleum depot workers to BTEX compounds

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene [BTEX] are the most important toxic volatile compounds in the air and could be easily absorbed through the respiratory tract. In recent years, the risk of exposure to BTEX compounds, especially benzene as a carcinogen, has been considered in petroleum depot stations. To assess the occupational exposure of petroleum depot workers in Iran to BETX compounds. After completing a questionnaire and assessing occupational exposure to BETX compounds, 78 [46 exposed and 32 non-exposed] depot workers were randomly selected to participate in this study. Air sampling and analysis of BTEX was conducted according to the NIOSH method No. 1501. Analysis of urinary hippuric acid, as an indicator of toluene exposure, was carried out according to NIOSH method no. 8300. Personal monitoring of the high exposure group to BTEX compounds was repeated to verify the results obtained in the first phase of the monitoring. Among the 9 operating groups studied, occupational exposure to benzene and toluene was higher in quality control and gasoline loading operators - the median exposure ranged from 0.16 to 1.63 ppm for benzene and 0.2 to 2.72 ppm for toluene. Median exposure of other group members to BTEX compounds was below the detection limit of analytical method [0.07, 0.06, 0.05, and 0.05 ppm, respectively]. The level of toluene exposure measured showed correlation with neither post-shift urinary hippuric acid [Spearman's rho = 0.128, p=0.982] nor with the difference between post- and pr-shift urinary hippuric acid [Spearman's rho=0.089, p=0.847] in depot operational workers. Gasoline loading operators are exposed to a relatively high level of benzene

Exposición a solventes y disfunción auditiva central: revisión de la evidencia científica / Solvent exposure and central auditory dysfunction: a literature review on the scientific evidence

Diversos estudios han demostrado que los solventes orgánicos pueden inducir una disfunción auditiva. Los modelos animales han mostrado que los solventes son capaces de dañar las células ciliadas externas. Estudios de campo en trabajadores expuestos a solventes han encontrado por una parte, una mayor prevalencia de hipoacusia sensorioneural en comparación a grupos controles, y por otra, una dis función auditiva central asociada a la exposición a solventes. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo revisar y discutir la evidencia científica acerca de la disfunción auditiva central asociada a la exposición a solventes como el tolueno, estireno, xileno, bisulfato de carbono, y mezcla de ellos. Se discuten los resultados de las investigaciones llevadas a cabo en humanos expuestos laboralmente a estos agentes. Se discuten además, los mecanismos de ototoxicidady neurotoxidad de los solventes y sus implicancias en la evaluación de la hipoacusia inducida por solventes.

Different studies have demonstrated that solvents may induce an auditory dysfunction. Animal models have shown that solvents can injure the outer hair cells. Studies conducted in workers exposed to solvents have found on one hand, a higher prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss in comparison to non-exposed control group subjects. On the other hand, these studies have found a central auditory dysfunction associated with solvent exposure. The present manuscript aims at revising and discussing the scientific evidence on central auditory dysfunction associated with exposure to solvents such as toluene, styrene, xylene, carbon disulphate, and mixtures. Results from studies conducted in humans occupationally exposed to solvents are discussed. Also, the oto-and neuro-toxicity induced by solvents and the implications for the assessment of solvent-induced hearing loss are addressed.

Safety practice and occupational exposure to physical and chemical hazards in pesticides and fertilizers packing industry

In pesticides and fertilizer formulation and packaging processes, workers may be exposed to toluene, benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide emissions as well as noise and reduced illumination during milling, mixing, loading, packaging and storage operations. Occupational hazards are associated with exposure to mixtures containing high proportions of active ingredients, and exposure to carriers/fillers and additives. The present study was designed to assess occupational exposure to chemicals, physical, hazards and safety practice in the pesticides and fertilizers packing industry. It was conducted in pesticide and fertilizer packing industry. Occupational exposure to organic solvents as toluene, benzene, xylene and carbon Monoxide as well as noise and illumination levels were carried out using calibrated instruments. Safety practice was done using safety questionnaire. Analyzed data revealed high significance increase levels of toluene, benzene, xylene, and carbon Monoxide as well as in the levels of noise and illumination in fertilizers and pesticides packing departments in comparison with administrative area. Nevertheless, the conditions of many of the safety practice are not satisfactory while the others are satisfactory and adequate, It was concluded that there are great needs for improvement, including identifying and controlling the hazards. providing information, training, monitoring and also legislative requirements that need to be met

Hipoacusia por solventes orgánicos: enfermedad profesional inducida por la acción ototoxica de xilol & toluol: reporte de caso en Chile / Hearing loss due to organic solvent exposure: occupational disease induced by the ototoxic properties of xylene & toluene: Chilean case report

Se pone en conocimiento de la comunidad un caso de hipoacusia inducida por acción de solventes orgánicos (xilol, toluol), que forman parte de una investigación importante sobre patología ocupacional, pero que por el hecho de afectar directamente a un Tecnólogo Medico que se desempeña en un servicio de histopatología y citodiagnóstico, se considera relevante ponerla de manifiesto con el objetivo de alertar a los pares que se encuentren en iguales o similares condiciones de actividad laboral, para que tomen las medidas y resguardos necesarios respecto de su condición de trabajo y/o de salud.

Effect of xylene on the skin of albino rats

To evaluate the effect of xylene on the skin, 30 albino rats were selected and divided into three groups, ten animals each. Group B showed loss of hair, degeneration of horny layer and erosions in their limbs. The epidermal cells showed vacuolated hypochronic cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. Areas of congestion, cellular infiltration, destructed hair follicles and spongiosis were observed in the dermis. Group C showed signs of recovery and healing within 14 days of cessation of exposure. These data proved that xylene was irritant to the skin and can cause contact dermatitis which should be avoided by suitable protection methods when using xylene