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Ke Y, Liu R, Chen X, Feng Y, Gao P, Huang H, Fan L, Ye D. Volatile organic compounds concentration profiles and control strategy in container manufacturing industry: Case studies in China. J Environ Sci (China) 2021; 104:296-306. [PMID: 33985733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2020.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), important precursors of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are the key to curb the momentum of O3 growth and further reducing PM2.5 in China. Container manufacturing industry is one of the major VOC emitters, and more than 96% containers of the world are produced in China, with the annual usage of coatings of over 200,000 tons in recent years. This is the first research on the emission characteristics of VOCs in Chinese container manufacturing industry, including concentration and ozone formation potential (OFP) of each species. The result shows that the largest amounts of VOCs are emitted during the pretreatment process, followed by the paint mixing process and primer painting process, and finally other sprays process. The average VOC concentrations in the workshops, the exhausts before treatment and the exhausts after treatment are ranging from 82.67-797.46 , 170-1,812.65 , 66.20-349.63 mg/m3, respectively. Benzenes, alcohols and ethers are main species, which contribute more than 90% OFP together. Based on the emission characteristics of VOCs and the technical feasibility, it is recommended to set the emission limit in standard of benzene to 1.0 mg/m3, toluene to 10 mg/m3, xylene to 20 mg/m3, benzenes to 40 mg/m3, alcohols and ethers to 50 mg/m3, and VOCs to 100 mg/m3. The study reports the industry emission characteristics and discusses the standard limits, which is a powerful support to promote VOCs emission reduction, and to promote the coordinated control of PM2.5 and O3 pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunting Ke
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruiyuan Liu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaofang Chen
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yang Feng
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ping Gao
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Haomin Huang
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Technology and Equipment (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liya Fan
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Technology and Equipment (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daiqi Ye
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Technology and Equipment (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal (SCUT), Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Biomonitoring of Workers Exposed to Volatile Organic Compounds Associated with Different Occupations by Headspace GC-FID. J CHEM-NY 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/6956402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study has been undertaken to analyze the total accumulated burden of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in blood of occupationally exposed workers. The headspace technique combined with gas chromatography with flame ionization detector was used for the quantitative analysis of the different volatile organic compounds (isopropyl alcohol, phenol, benzene, dichloromethane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and toluene) in 80 blood samples from the workers belonging to different occupations i.e., shoe polish workers, thinner handlers, paint workers, furniture polish workers, petrol station attendants, textile dyeing workers, printing press workers, and dry port workers as biomonitoring is one of the most promising methods for analyzing the individual burden of VOCs. Another purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between detected concentrations of VOCs and associated health issues reported by the workers of these professions. Results of the study revealed the presence of different VOCs in blood samples of approximately 70 workers out of 80, and statistical analysis proved a strong relationship between the reported work experience, working hours, and diseases and the detected concentrations of respective volatile organic compounds.
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Dos Reis Filho AP, Silveira MAD, Demarco NR, D'Arce LPG. Increased DNA Damage, Instability and Cytokinesis Defects in Occupationally Exposed Car Painters. In Vivo 2020; 33:1807-1811. [PMID: 31662506 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Car painting is considered an occupational exposure job with high risk for cancer development, due to the association with harmful chemicals and mutagens. This study aimed to profile car painters occupationally exposed and determine its association with DNA damage and genomic instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected a questionnaire and buccal cells of 74 individuals (37 car painters and 37 non-exposed workers) paired by age, alcohol and smoking habits. The number of pyknotic cells, karyolitic cells, karyorrhetic cells, condensed chromatin, binucleated cells, basal cells, differentiated cells (DIFF), micronucleated cells and nuclear buds were evaluated using the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay protocol. RESULTS A statistically significant increase was observed in all parameters (p<0.05) in the exposed group, but DIFF showed a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001), compared to the control group. CONCLUSION In association with the poor work environment and lack of personal and collective protective equipment, occupational exposure of car painters leads to high DNA damage, genomic instability and alterations in cellular kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pedro Dos Reis Filho
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas, State University of Western Paraná, Parana, Brazil
| | - Maruhen Amir Datsch Silveira
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas, State University of Western Paraná, Parana, Brazil
| | - Natani Ribeiro Demarco
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas, State University of Western Paraná, Parana, Brazil
| | - Luciana Paula Gregio D'Arce
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas, State University of Western Paraná, Parana, Brazil
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Shakik S, Arrandale V, Holness DL, MacLeod JS, McLeod CB, Peter A, Demers PA. Dermatitis among workers in Ontario: results from the Occupational Disease Surveillance System. Occup Environ Med 2019; 76:625-631. [PMID: 31320492 PMCID: PMC6824611 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease, and further evidence is needed regarding preventable risk factors. The Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS) derived from administrative data was used to investigate dermatitis risk among industry and occupation groups in Ontario. Methods ODSS cohort members were identified from Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) accepted lost time claims. A case was defined as having ≥2 dermatitis physician billing claims during a 12-month period within 3 years of cohort entry. A 3-year look-back period prior to cohort entry was used to exclude prevalent cases without a WSIB claim. Workers were followed for 3 years or until dermatitis diagnosis, age 65 years, emigration, death or end of follow-up (31 December 2016), whichever occurred first. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models estimated HRs and 95% CIs. The risk of dermatitis was explored using a job exposure matrix that identifies exposure to asthmagens, many of which also cause contact dermatitis. Results Among 597 401 workers, 23 843 cases of new-onset dermatitis were identified. Expected elevated risks were observed among several groups including furniture and fixture industries, food and beverage preparation and chemicals, petroleum, rubber, plastic and related materials processing occupations and workers exposed to metal working fluids and organic solvents. Decreased risk was observed among farmers, nurses and construction industries, and occupations exposed to latex and indoor cleaning products. Conclusions ODSS can contribute to occupational dermatitis surveillance in Ontario by identifying occupational groups at risk of dermatitis that can then be prioritised for prevention activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharara Shakik
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Arrandale
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dorothy Linn Holness
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Occupational Health, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill S MacLeod
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher B McLeod
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alice Peter
- Population Health and Prevention, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Keer S, McLean D, Glass B, Douwes J. Effects of Personal Protective Equipment Use and Good Workplace Hygiene on Symptoms of Neurotoxicity in Solvent-Exposed Vehicle Spray Painters. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:307-320. [PMID: 29373628 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess the association between the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and good workplace hygiene and symptoms of neurotoxicity in solvent-exposed vehicle spray painters. Methods Exposure control measures including PPE-use and workplace hygiene practices and symptoms of neurotoxicity were assessed in 267 vehicle repair spray painters. Symptoms were assessed using an adapted version of the EUROQUEST Questionnaire. Results Frequent respirator and glove use was inversely and significantly associated with symptoms of neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05 for trend) with the strongest protective effect found for consistent glove use (odds ratios [OR] 0.1-0.2, P < 0.01, for reporting ≥10 and ≥5 symptoms). A clear dose-response trend was also observed when combining frequency of respirator and glove use (P < 0.05 for reporting ≥5 and ≥10 symptoms), with an overall reduction in risk of 90% (OR, 0.1, P < 0.01) for those who consistently used both types of PPE. Protective effects were most pronounced for the symptom domains of psychosomatic (P < 0.05 for trend, for combined PPE use), mood (P < 0.05), and memory and concentration symptoms combined (P < 0.05), with reductions in risk of >80%. Poor hygiene workplace practices, such as solvent exposure to multiple body parts (OR 3.4, P = 0.11 for reporting ≥10 symptoms), were associated with an increased risk of symptoms. When using a general workplace hygiene score derived from a combination of PPE-use and (good) workplace practice factors an inverse and significant dose-response trend was observed for reporting ≥5 (P < 0.01) and ≥10 symptoms (P < 0.01). Conclusions This study has shown that PPE-use and good workplace hygiene are associated with a strongly reduced risk of symptoms of neurotoxicity in solvent-exposed vehicle spray painters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Keer
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Dave McLean
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bill Glass
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Kianmehr M, Amiri M, Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan A, Hajavi J. DNA damage assessment in the lymphocytes of construction painters by comet assay. Toxicol Ind Health 2015; 32:1902-1909. [PMID: 26319236 DOI: 10.1177/0748233715597347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to chemicals is inevitable for certain occupational groups, particularly in industrial countries. Some cytogenetic tests such as comet assay are effectively utilized to screen genotoxic effects of these chemicals in humans. The purpose of this study has been to assess the DNA damage in construction painters' lymphocytes using the comet assay. METHODS Fourteen male construction painters with 1 year of required work experience were randomly selected from the list of Painter Union in Gonabad city, Iran. In addition, 14 healthy male non-painters were randomly selected as controls. The DNA damage degree was determined using a fluorescence microscope and CometScore software. The obtained data were analyzed employing independent t-test using SPSS software v. 14 at the significant level of p < 0.05. RESULTS All participants were non-smokers and non-alcoholics. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The DNA damage in the painter group was significantly greater than that of the control group. Tail length (µm) was 12.63 ± 6.54 versus 2.90 ± 0.84, tail DNA (%) was 4.33 ± 1.84 versus 1.29 ± 0.43, and tail moment (µm) was 1.85 ± 0.98 versus 0.14 ± 0.20 in painter and control groups ( p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION The chemicals used in oil paint may increase the DNA damage in painter blood lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Kianmehr
- 1 Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mostafa Amiri
- 2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Alireza Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan
- 3 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Jafar Hajavi
- 2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Lee EH, Paek D, Kho YL, Choi K, Chae HJ. Color vision impairments among shipyard workers exposed to mixed organic solvents, especially xylene. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2013; 37:39-43. [PMID: 23422509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated color vision impairment in workers exposed to organic solvents, especially xylene. METHODS Three groups of subjects, comprising 63 workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents, 122 non-exposed workers in the same industry, and 185 subjects from the general population as controls, were evaluated for color vision. Exposure to solvents was indirectly evaluated by measuring the concentration of a urinary metabolite. Color vision was assessed using the Lanthony Desaturated 15-hue (Lanthony D-15) panel. RESULTS Color confusion index (CCI) values in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the non-exposed workers or the general population, after adjustment for age and education, and significantly correlated with the concentration of methylhippuric acid. Color vision impairments were detected more frequently among the exposed group, and the most common types were type III and complex impairments. The rate of type III impairments was 9.52% in the exposed group, 1.64% in the non-exposed group, and 1.62% in the general population. CONCLUSION Our results support the hypothesis that acquired color vision impairments could be induced by exposure to xylene. Testing for color vision impairment is a relatively simple, non-invasive and sensitive diagnostic method for relatively low-level exposures to xylene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Hee Lee
- Department of Visual Optics and Health Science, Graduate School of Health Science, Far East University, Eumsung, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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Predicting the absorption of chemical vapours. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2013; 65:306-14. [PMID: 22465561 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The focus of this review is on the systemic absorption of vapours via skin, including experimental data as well as regression and pharmacokinetic models. Dermal contribution ratios (DCR), i.e. amount absorbed through skin relative to total intake (skin and inhalation) at specified conditions, could be identified or calculated from published data for 33 chemical vapours. The ratios vary from ~0.0002 (vinyl chloride) to ~0.8 (2-butoxyethanol), with hydrophilic chemicals having a higher ratio than lipophilic ones. Multiple regression analysis of these data suggests that the DCR is largely explained by the octanol:water partition coefficient, vapour pressure and molecular weight (R(2)=0.69). Several physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models were identified; however, all describe the absorption of single substances. Regarding predictive models, only two models were found. In conclusion, dermal uptake of chemical vapours needs more attention, as such exposures are common, data are scarce and few predictive models exist.
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Chang FK, Mao IF, Chen ML, Cheng SF. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine as a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage in workers exposed to ethylbenzene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 55:519-25. [PMID: 21430133 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mer010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the relationships between ethylbenzene exposure and levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) among spray painters. Sixty-four male workers employed at a large shipyard were recruited for this investigation. Fifteen spray painters exposed to paint, together with two non-exposed groups, namely 19 sandblasting workers and 30 office staffs were selected as the subjects. Personal exposure to xylene and ethylbenzene in air were collected using diffusive samplers. Urine samples of the spray painters were collected after a month-long holiday leave and during the pre- and post-workshifts. Urine samples of sandblasting workers and office staffs were gathered after their shift. Urinary mandelic acid and methyl hippuric acid were used as biological indices of dose of ethylbenzene and xylene, respectively. Urinary 8-OHdG was used as biomarker of oxidative DNA damage. The post-workshift concentration of urinary 8-OHdG for 10 spray painters (30.3 ± 9.28 μg g(-1) creatinine) significantly exceeded that of holiday leave (7.20 ± 1.08 μg g(-1) creatinine; P = 0.001). The post-workshift concentration of urinary 8-OHdG was higher among 15 spray painters (29.0 ± 6.52 μg g(-1) creatinine) than sandblasting workers (9.14 ± 2.05 μg g(-1) creatinine; P = 0.01) and office staffs (8.35 ± 0.84 μg g(-1) creatinine; P = 0.007). A stepwise regression model revealed an 8.11 μg g(-1) creatinine increase per 1 p.p.m. increase in ethylbenzene [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.13-12.1]. A stepwise regression model revealed an increase of 6.04 μg g(-1) creatinine (95% CI 2.23-9.84) per 1 p.p.m. in ethylbenzene after adjustment of age (95% CI 2.23-9.84). This pilot study suggests that occupational exposure to paint increases oxidative DNA injury. Moreover, urinary 8-OHdG levels displayed greater DNA damage in spray painters compared to other unexposed groups and their holiday leave samples. A significant correlation was found between urinary 8-OHdG and the exposure to ethylbenzene. The ethylbenzene exposure could not explain all urinary 8-OHdG measured. Other components of paint deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Kuei Chang
- Department of Health Management, College of Medical Science, I-Shou University, Yanchao Township, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan.
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Abstract
CONTEXT The absorption of vapors through the skin is an important issue because exposure of skin to chemicals in the ambient air occurs at all times. In regards to occupational health, accurately quantifying percutaneous absorption is crucial for worker health and safety. OBJECTIVE Review the available data regarding the percutaneous absorption of vapors in humans. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in Scopus(®) and PubMed using keywords "vapor" and "percutaneous absorption" up until September 23, 2010. RESULTS Eleven articles document the absorption of vapors in human skin in vivo. Seven articles utilized aromatic solvents including xylene and toluene, two tested 2-methoxyethanol, and two tested solely 2-butoxyethanol. Of the 11 articles, eight estimated the percentage of skin absorption compared with whole body exposure. Of the eight articles, four concluded that percutaneous absorption of aromatic solvent vapors from the air is likely to be insignificant and four concluded that dermal uptake of alcohol solvents caused significant absorption. CONCLUSION Skin absorption of vapors is an important and relevant topic that has not been studied extensively. Further investigation of percutaneous vapor absorption is needed to ensure safe usage of solvent vapors in the workplace, and possibly elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balvinder Rehal
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Abstract
Some studies have shown increased DNA damage among car painters, but other professionals working in auto body and paint shops have not been extensively assessed. The aim of this study was to assess DNA damage in different types of auto body shop workers by measuring micronucleus (MN) levels in exfoliated buccal cells. The mean number of cells with MN per 2000 exfoliated buccal cells was analyzed in three groups of male workers: auto body repair technicians, painters, and office workers (control group). All participants answered a questionnaire inquiring about age, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, work practices, occupational exposure time, job activities, and use of protective equipment. The mean number of cells with MN was 3.50 ± 1.50 in auto body painters, 3.91 ± 2.10 in auto body repair technicians, and 0.80 ± 0.78 in office workers, with a significant difference between the control group and the two other groups (p = 0.0001). Age, occupational exposure time, use of protective masks, alcohol consumption, and smoking habit did not affect MN results. The findings indicate that technicians and painters working in auto body shops are at risk for genotoxic damage, while office workers seem to be protected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Siebel
- Biological Sciences Department (Curso de Ciências Biológicas), Centro Universitário Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciano Basso da Silva
- Research Group on Human Health and Environment (Grupo de Pesquisa em Saúde Humana e Ambiente), Health Sciences Institute (Instituto de Ciências da Saúde), Centro Universitário Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil,
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Caro J, Gallego M. Environmental and biological monitoring of volatile organic compounds in the workplace. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 77:426-433. [PMID: 19635627 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of workers to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the workplace has been evaluated in four different occupations, namely: house painters, varnishing workers, car painters and petrol station workers. The study was carried out by analyzing the ambient air within the workers' breathing zone as well as the alveolar air of these workers, which was selected as the biomarker of exposure. Twenty six VOCs were measured in the air samples. Nearly all target VOCs were found in the ambient air of the workplaces assessed, usually involving in the most abundant compounds, toluene, o-xylene and N-butyl acetate, concentrations between 60 and 51,110 microg m(-3). The same VOCs were found in the alveolar air of workers after their work shift, at concentrations whose amount depended on the compound and occupation involved. Toluene, at concentrations between 90 and 29,840 microg m(-3), o-xylene, between 30 and 12,285 microg m(-3), and N-butyl acetate, between 10 and 8045 microg m(-3), were also the most abundant compounds found in the alveolar air of workers after exposure. The post-work concentrations of VOCs in alveolar air correlated significantly with ambient air concentrations, obtaining correlation coefficients over 0.9 for the compounds studied. Furthermore, a general trend towards greater absorption of benzene derivatives by the human body (the average percentage of absorption is 50%) than that of esters (average percentage of 20%) has been observed in the data obtained throughout the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Caro
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain
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