Effect of respiratory exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene on the spirometric indices in two consecutive years among the petroleum products loading workers

Introduction: Benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene (BTEX) are the most important aromatic compounds in petroleum products. Due to high vapor pressure, BTEX compounds easily change to gas form and mixed with ambient air. Petroleum products loading workers are exposed to these compounds by the inhalation of BTEX compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of respiratory BTEX exposure on lung function indicators . Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on petroleum products loading workers in 2015 until 2016. there were process of inclusion and exclusion in working tasks. 32 people participated in this study consciously. Eighteen samples of air was gotten in the breathing zone of workers. Sampling was performed by indivial sampling pump 222-4 model by use of activated charcoal were taken to determine the workers' exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene. Method of sampling was 1501 NIOSH.To determine and evaluate the lung function, spirometry tests were performed according to OSHA protocols. Results: The results of analysis of samples showed that the average exposure to benzene was above the occupational exposure limit and the average exposure to ethyl benzene, toluene and xylene were below the occupational exposure limit. Lung functions indices, including FVC, FEV1, FEV1 / FVC were reduced. Conclusion: The results showed that exposure to BTEX compounds could affect lung function indices, and reduced Lung functions indices.

Exposure of workers to occupational heat during the application of phytosanitary products in coffee crop

During the application of phytosanitary products in coffee trees, workers may be exposed to temperatures that could compromise their health. Exposure to occupational heat can lead to progressive dehydration, cramps, exhaustion and the possibility of thermal shock. Thus, knowing the levels of occupational heat that workers are exposed becomes important. This study aimed to evaluate workers’ occupational exposure to heat during the application of phytosanitary products with manual costal pump in the coffee crops. The case study was developed at the IFSULDEMINAS school farm - Campus Inconfidentes in the months of September and October 2017. The occupational heat in the coffee crop was evaluated using the WBGTAVERAGE method, using TGD 400 thermal stress meter. The WBGT values found were compared to the exposure limits of NR 15 for the purposes of insalubrity classification and with NHO 06 for acclimatized and non-acclimatized workers. The results showed that the WBGT found is below the tolerance limit of NR 15, for the month of September. In October, the tolerance limit was exceeded in the period from 11:00 a.m. to 2:59 p.m., considering a continuous heavy activity and rest in the workplace, and the activity considered unhealthy. Considering the criteria of the NHO 06 it was observed that the limits of occupational exposure were exceeded in the month of October, for acclimatized and non-acclimatized workers. In September the occupational exposure limit of NHO 06 was exceeded only for non-acclimated workers. Therefore, the workers should be submitted to acclimatization during the phytosanitary application activity in the month of October.