Risk Assessment of Chemical Exposure among pulp and paper production industrial workers

Abstract

          Pulp production uses a variety of hazardous chemicals in process. Exposure to those industrial chemicals in working
environments might be occurred through inhalation or skin and eye contact and subsequently caused adverse health
effects of workers. This study aimed to assess health risk of chemical exposure among Pulp and Paper industrial workers
by using the secondary data of one Pulp and Paper factory. Secondary data ofchemical monitoringin working environments
and frequent exposure to chemicalsfrom the last two yearsrecoding of the production process were used. The results
showed that chemicals used in the production process are 96 andthere wereeightchemicals in working environment. Those
finding chemicals compose of gases: Chlorine, Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen sulphide, and Hydrogen chloride,the acid solvent group: sulfuric acid and vaporized solvent group: Methyl mercaptan,Dimethyl sulphide, Acetoneanddust.Theresults
of last 2 yearsmonitoringshowed that all of eight chemicals concentrations were under occupational exposure limited
standard of Thai labor regulation (OEL).The results of health risk assessments from employee’s exposure to certain
chemicals found that there were higher risk than the acceptable risk level; Chlorine, Methyl mercaptan. Considering
secondary data, exposures to Sulfuric acid and Respirabledust were acceptable health risk levelHowever, there are
hazardous chemicals for instance carcinogens,mutagen or teratogen required industrial exposure monitoring and health
risk assessment, for instance, Benzene and Formaldehyde. Therefore, there should be planning for exposure surveillance
and health risk assessments among workersexposed to hazardous chemicals following the legislation.