Evaluation of Exposure to Toluene and Xylene in Gasoline Station Workers

The main volatile organic compounds found at gasoline stations are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX). They cause several harmful effects on human health. Regulatory Norm 7 (1978) provides that, in Brazil, biological monitoring of toluene and xylene is carried out by measuring the urinary metabolites hippuric acid (HA) and methylhippuric acid (MHA), respectively. The objective of this study was to assess the exposure to toluene and xylene and to identify related signs and symptoms in gasoline station workers. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with workers occupationally exposed to fuels. These gasoline station workers were divided into two groups: 94 workers exposed mainly by inhalation (convenience store workers (CSWs)) and 181 workers exposed by inhalation and dermal route (filling station attendants (FSAs)). A comparison group was formed by 119 workers not occupationally exposed to fuels (office workers (OWs)). Workers exposed to fuels had higher average levels of these exposure biomarkers (HA and MHA), which were also higher in convenience store workers than in filling station attendants. In addition, individuals exposed to the solvents present in gasoline had altered mood/depression, cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, irritability/nervousness, weakness, weight loss, and other symptoms more frequently and had higher urinary levels of HA and MHA compared to the comparison group. Gasoline station workers showed high levels of HA and MHA, reflecting high occupational exposure to the solvents toluene and xylene present in gasoline, demonstrating that changes in the current legislation and in the work environment are necessary to ensure better health protection for these workers.

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Analysis of Benzene Exposure in Gas Station Workers Using Trans,Trans-Muconic Acid

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17155295 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (15) ◽

pp. 5295

Author(s):

Barbara Rodrigues Geraldino ◽

Rafaella Ferreira Nascimento Nunes ◽

Juliana Barroso Gomes ◽

Isabela Giardini ◽

Paula Vieira Baptista da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Office Workers ◽

Control Group ◽

Convenience Store ◽

Uv Detector ◽

Muconic Acid ◽

Mean Values ◽

Benzene Exposure ◽

Filling Station ◽

Occupationally Exposed ◽

Gas Station

In Brazil, gas station workers are occupationally exposed to the benzene present in gasoline. Brazilian law indicates the use of trans,trans-muconic acid(t,t-MA) as a biomarker of benzene exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of exposure to benzene in gas station workers, through the quantification of t,t-MA present in urine. A total number of 269 gas station workers divided into 179 filling station attendants exposed by inhalation and dermal route and 90 convenience store workers exposed only by inhalation were included. A control group was formed by 100 office workers, without occupational exposure to benzene. The urinary levels of t,t-MA were evaluated by HPLC with a UV detector. Gas station workers showed higher mean values of t,t-MA (0.204 mg/g creatinine; 95% CI 0.170–0.237) than office workers (0.126 mg/g creatinine; 95% CI 0.0817–0.1693). T,t-MA levels were higher in convenience store workers exposed to gasoline only by inhalation (0.221 mg/g creatinine; 95% CI 0.160–0.282), than in those exposed to gasoline by inhalation and dermal route—filling station attendants (0.195 mg/g creatinine; 95% CI 0.155–0.235). Gas station workers with a higher level of t,t-MA had epistaxis. T,t-MA values were higher in the Downtown (0.15 mg/g creatinine) region’s workers than in the more affluent South Zone region’s workers (0.07 mg/g creatinine). Smoking habits influenced the urinary t,t-MA values, while the frequency of consumption of industrialized and frozen foods showed no influence.

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Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene: Current analytical techniques and approaches for biological monitoring

Reviews in Analytical Chemistry ◽

10.1515/revac-2020-0116 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

pp. 168-187

Author(s):

Esmaeel Soleimani

Keyword(s):

Sample Preparation ◽

Biological Monitoring ◽

Analytical Methods ◽

Analytical Techniques ◽

Urinary Metabolites ◽

Extraction Methods ◽

Exhaled Air ◽

Occupationally Exposed ◽

Benzene Toluene

Abstract Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are a group of volatile organic compounds that human exposure to them may result in the development of some diseases, including cancer. Biological monitoring plays an important role in exposure assessment of workers occupationally exposed to chemicals. Several metabolites have been proposed for biological monitoring of individuals who are exposed to BTEX. There are a variety of extraction methods and analytical techniques for the determination of unmetabolized BTEX in exhaled air and their urinary metabolites. The present study aimed to summarize and review the toxicokinetics of BTEX and sample preparation and analytical methods for their measurement. Metabolites of BTEX are discussed to find out reliable ones for biological monitoring of workers exposed to these chemicals. In addition, analytical methods for unmetabolized BTEX in exhaled air and their metabolites were reviewed in order to obtain a comparison between them in term of selectivity, sensitivity, simplicity, time, environmental-friendly and cost. Given the recent trends in sample preparation, including miniaturization, automation, high-throughput performance, and on-line coupling with analytical instrument, it seems that microextraction techniques, especially microextraction by packed sorbents are the methods of choice for the determination of the BTEX metabolites.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A National Survey to Monitor Knowledge and Operating Methods

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041995 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1995

Author(s):

Valentina Scalise ◽

Fabrizio Brindisino ◽

Leonardo Pellicciari ◽

Silvia Minnucci ◽

Francesca Bonetti

Keyword(s):

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Manual Therapy ◽

Carpal Tunnel ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Therapeutic Exercises ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Tunnel Syndrome

The aim of this article was to investigate the knowledge, management, and clinical practice of Italian physiotherapists concerning patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A national cross-sectional survey consisted of 24 questions was administered from December 2019 until February 2020. A Chi-squared independence test was run to study any difference between subgroups of the sample and responses to the questionnaire. Five hundred and eight respondents completed the survey. Most respondents (n = 225/508; 44.3%) are under 29 years old, female (n = 256/508; 50.4%) and have been working as physiotherapists for less than 5 years (n = 213/508; 41.9%). Most of respondents correctly knows about the cause (n = 455/508, 89.6%), main signs and symptoms of CTS (n = 415/508, 81.70%) and administer education, manual therapy, myofascial techniques and therapeutic exercises (n = 457/508, 89.88%). Three hundred and sixty-four (71.68%) respondents were aware of the influence of psychosocial factors on the patient’s outcomes. The survey showed greater adherence to evidences by physiotherapists holding a master’s degree. The results are mostly comparable with other surveys structured all over the world on the same topic. Italian physiotherapists management of the CTS was not always in line with current evidence. Interventions such as education, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, nerve and tendon glide techniques are widely used, while the orthotic is only offered by half of the sample.

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Assessment of Knowledge and Sources of Information on Lassa Fever Infection Among the Undergraduate Students of Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

SAGE Open ◽

10.1177/21582440211006382 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 215824402110063

Author(s):

MaryJoy Umoke ◽

Prince Christian Ifeanachor Umoke ◽

Chioma Adaora Nwalieji ◽

Rosemary N. Onwe ◽

Ifeanyi Emmanuel Nwafor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Lassa Fever ◽

State University ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Endemic Diseases ◽

Academic Level

Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease characterized by acute viral hemorrhagic fever, endemic in West Africa including Nigeria. The study assessed the knowledge and sources of information on Lassa fever infection among the undergraduate students of Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among a sample of 389 students (18 years above). A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed with SPSS (Version 20), and hypotheses were tested at p < .05 level of significance. Results showed that the majority of the students had good knowledge of Lassa fever description, 232 (60.75%); the signs and symptoms, 221 (57.9%); mode of transmission, 261 (68.41%); and preventive measures, 291 (76.13%). Radio, 23 (84.6%), and television, 307 (80.4%), were their major sources of information. Age ( p = .424), sex ( p = .082), and academic level ( p = .553) were not significant in the study, while faculty (social sciences; p = .000*) was strongly associated with the knowledge of Lassa fever. In conclusion, the overall knowledge of Lassa fever was good among students, though knowledge gaps were observed in the signs and symptoms. We recommend that health education on endemic diseases in the state be made a compulsory course as a general study (GST) in the university. Also, the internet, social media, and campus campaign be further used to educate and sensitize students on the effect of Lassa fever.

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Dry eye disease among Glaucoma patients on topical hypotensive medications, in a tertiary hospital, Ethiopia

BMC Ophthalmology ◽

10.1186/s12886-021-01917-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Miraf Sahlu ◽

Abeba T. Giorgis

Keyword(s):

Dry Eye ◽

Ocular Surface ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Dry Eye Disease ◽

Eye Disease ◽

Eye Drops ◽

Schirmer Test ◽

Ocular Surface Disease Index ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Corneal Staining

Abstract Background Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease; causing various ocular symptoms with potential damage to the ocular surface. Applying hypotensive eye drops are presumed to initiate or exacerbate existing dry eye disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of signs and symptoms and severity of dry eye disease among glaucoma patients on topical hypotensive medications and controls. Methods A cross-sectional comparative study, involving 320 glaucoma patients and controls. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) symptoms score and Schirmer, tear breakup time and corneal staining tests were used to assess dry eye disease. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 software; p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Among the 160 study glaucoma patients, the mean duration of topical hypotensive medication use was 5.2 ± 5.21 years (range, 4 months - 32 years). Mild to severe level of OSDI score was found in 122 (76%) glaucoma patients and in 137 (86%) controls (p = 0.033). Mild to sever abnormal clinical tests in the glaucoma patients and control, respectively, were 106 (66%) vs 80 (50%) corneal staining (p = 0.045), 79 (49%) vs 72 (45%) TBUT (p = 0.021), and 91 (57%) vs 83 (52%) Schirmer test (p = 0.242). Test results at the level of sever: 2 (1%) vs 0 (0%) corneal staining, 50 (31%) vs 39 (24%) TBUT and 65 (41%) vs 60 (38%) Schirmer test in the glaucoma patents and controls, respectively. Corneal staining and TBUT had correlation with the number of drugs (p = 0.004 and 0.031, respectively), and more relationship of the two tests with total number of drops applied per day (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Patients on pilocarpine and timolol had more corneal staining and lower TBUT [(p = 0.011 and p < 0.001) and (p = 0.04 and 0.012), respectively]. Conclusions The study has identified glaucoma patients to be more affected by dry eye disease than non-glaucoma patients, and presence of significantly lower TBUT and higher corneal staining in the glaucoma patients on multidrops and multidose per day. We recommend consideration of evaluation and management of DED for glaucoma patients on multidrops and multidose hypotensive medications.

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Increased oxidative stress and plasma Hsp70 levels among gasoline filling station attendants

Toxicology and Industrial Health ◽

10.1177/0748233715616554 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 171-181 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Bing Xia ◽

Kangcheng Chen ◽

Yingnan Lv ◽

Damin Huang ◽

Jing Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Stress Protein ◽

Weighted Average ◽

Exposed Group ◽

Cumulative Exposure ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Control Group ◽

Gasoline Station ◽

Filling Station ◽

Exposed Workers

Objectives: Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is an organic derivative of manganese (Mn) and is used as an antiknock agent and octane enhancer in gasoline. In this article, we tested the oxidative stress and heat stress protein (Hsp) 70 levels of gasoline station attendants to explore potential plasma biomarkers. Furthermore, the dose–response relationship was also identified. Methods: A total of 144 workers, including 96 petrol fillers and 48 cashiers, participated in the study. Ambient concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and Mn were monitored at nine filling stations. During the measuring process, the individual cumulative exposure index was calculated. Plasma oxidative stress and Hsp70 levels were also analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The BTEX time-weighted average in office areas was significantly lower than in refuelling areas ( p < 0.05). In refuelling areas, the content of Mn ranged from 6.44 μg/m3 to 127.34 μg/m3, which was much higher than that in office areas (3.16–7.22 μg/m3; p < 0.05). Exposed workers had significantly different plasma oxidative stress indicators compared with the control group, respectively: superoxide dismutase (SOD), 39.18 ± 6.05 U/mL versus 52.84 ± 3.87 U/mL; glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), 186.07 ± 15.63 U versus 194.38 ± 10.42 U; and malondialdehyde (MDA), 1.68 ± 0.52 nmol/L versus 1.43 ± 0.64 nmol/L (in all comparisons, p < 0.05). Plasma Hsp70 level in the exposed group (2.77 ± 0.64 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in the control group (2.32 ± 0.87 ng/mL; p < 0.05). Furthermore, Hsp70 levels were inversely correlated with the activities of SOD ( r = −0.305) and GSH-Px ( r = −0.302) in the exposed group ( p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation ( r = 0.653) was found between plasma Hsp70 levels and plasma MDA levels ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to MMT-containing gasoline may result in increasing reactive oxygen stress among filling station attendants. Plasma Hsp70 levels could be used as a sensitive responsive biomarker for exposed workers.

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Cross-sectional associations between ambient air pollution and respiratory signs and symptoms among young children in Tehran

Atmospheric Environment ◽

10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117268 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 223 ◽

pp. 117268 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Zahra Namvar ◽

Masud Yunesian ◽

Mansour Shamsipour ◽

Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand ◽

Kazem Naddafi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Young Children ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Ambient Air ◽

Ambient Air Pollution ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Respiratory Signs And Symptoms

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Assessment of needs for care among patients with schizophrenic disorders 15 and 17 years after first onset of psychosis

Epidemiologia e psichiatria sociale Monograph Supplement ◽

10.1017/s1827433100000800 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 6 (S1) ◽

pp. 21-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Durk Wiersma ◽

Fokko J. Nienhuis ◽

Cees J. Slooff ◽

Robert Giel ◽

Aant De Jong

Keyword(s):

Mental Disorders ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Expected Improvement ◽

Chronic Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Wide Range ◽

Social Disablement ◽

First Onset

Severe and long term mental disorders, like schizophrenia, show in general a wide range of psychiatric signs and symptoms, psychological and physiological impairments and social disablement (Shepherd, 1994; Wing, 1982) reflecting a variety of mental health needs. Many studies provide only a cross-sectional view of the clinical and social problems of the patient population, for example at intake or admission to a mental hospital. Longitudinal studies following patients after discharge for some period of months or years show in general the expected improvement of functioning (e.g. Nienhuis et al., 1994), but as far as only chronic patients are concerned such a positive change is much less noted. The concept of chronicity of mental disorders would presume that after some time needs are fairly predictable and stable and do not change much over time. Our investigation on the long-term course of schizophrenia (Wiersma et al., 1996; 1997) enables us to study over a period of two years, from 15 to 17 years since first onset of psychosis, the stability or variability of needs in schizophrenic disorder. We are not aware of empirical studies on changes in needs among patients with long-term disorders.

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Epidemiological profile of workers with musculoskeletal disorders of a supermarket company

Fisioterapia em Movimento ◽

10.1590/0103-5150.028.003.ao16 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 573-581 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marcia Benites da Silva ◽

Caren Lara Martins Picasso ◽

Miriam Pilla Rosito

Keyword(s):

Back Pain ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Disease Process ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Daily Activities ◽

Porto Alegre ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Common Causes ◽

Epidemiological Profile ◽

Physiotherapy Clinic

AbstractIntroduction The epidemiological profile is considered a sensitive indicator of living conditions and the disease process. The musculoskeletal disorders are the most common causes of pain and can lead to disability or restriction of daily activities. These disorders take the name of RCT/OWRD when they are associated with work activities and may be associated with risk conditions at work.Objectives To describe the epidemiological profile of supermarket workers with musculoskeletal disorders under treatment at a physiotherapy clinic in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil.Methods This was a cross-sectional, observational study which used retrospective data collected from 360 records of patients treated from January 2010 to December 2011 in a physiotherapy clinic that provides health services for a supermarket chain.Results There was a predominance of females (73.9%), aged 30–39 years (35.1%); 63.0% reported being single and 73.4% lived in Porto Alegre. The most commonly reported occupation was cashier (31.2%). The main reasons for referral to physiotherapy treatment were low back pain (21.4%), neck pain (19.7%), pain (16.1%), subacromial bursitis (13.9%) and back pain (12.2%). Among the signs and symptoms 95.8% of the sample reported pain in chronic phase.Conclusion The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was high in this group. The presence of pain can disable the worker for daily activities and physiotherapy becomes the therapeutic procedure of choice for their rehabilitation.

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Signs and symptoms in Gaucher Disease: priority nursing diagnoses

Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/0034-7167-2016-0434 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 71 (1) ◽

pp. 104-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Márcia Koja Breigeiron ◽

Vitória da Costa Moraes ◽

Janice Carneiro Coelho

Keyword(s):

Gaucher Disease ◽

Bone Pain ◽

Genetic Diagnosis ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Mobility ◽

Risk For Bleeding ◽

Nursing Diagnoses

ABSTRACT Objective: Identify the signs and symptoms of patients with Gaucher Disease, inferring possible priority nursing diagnoses. Method: Cross-sectional study, developed in a specialized laboratory, between 2013 and 2015. The sample (n = 91) comprised the records of patients with genetic diagnosis for Gaucher Disease. The study respected research norms. Results: Prevalence of female sex (57.1%), age at diagnosis between 0 and 10 years, and origin from the Southeast Region of Brazil were prevalent. Hematologic changes, bone pain, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and fatigue were the most recurrent signs and symptoms. The inferred diagnoses for the studied population were: Risk for bleeding; Fatigue; Chronic pain and Acute pain; Impaired physical mobility; Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements; and Risk for Developmental Delay. Conclusion: The establishment of Priority Nursing Diagnoses based on signs and symptoms makes it possible to achieve expected outcomes for each individual in the care context.

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