Exposure to Toluene, Xylene and Exhaled Nitric Oxide Related to Work Ability among Toll Collectors at Toll Stations in Bangkok
Keywords:
Toluene, Xylene, Exhaled nitric oxide, Work ability, Toll collectorAbstract
The objective was to evaluate toluene, xylene and exhaled nitric oxide related to work ability among toll collectors
at toll stations in Bangkok. This research was a cross sectional study. We sampled 220 persons; 90 cases who worked as
toll collectors at toll stations in Bangkok and 130 as a controllers. The assessment tools were as follows: questionnaires and in collecting the air samples a personal “Organic Vapor Monitor (3M 3500)”
was attached to the lapel of each sample groups. The NIOX MINO for measuring exhaled nitric oxide of sample groups.
Mean age of the study group was 36.86 years old and the control group was 32.97 years old. 63.3 % of the study group
worked 8 hours per day, 5 days per week (83.3 %). 10% always used respiratory protection; however, most of them used
only cotton masks (59.3 %). Most of them about work ability had moderate level (58.9 %). The study group (n=90) showed average toluene 28.93 (± 32.048) ppb and xylene 68.17 (± 8.591) ppb. Exhaled nitric oxide (n=82) was low level (<25 ppb)
(89.0%) and average 15.98 (± 8.712) ppb. The average comparison of concentration of toluene and xylene was significantly
different between the study and control groups at level 0.05 (p < 0.001, p<0.001, respectively). The exhaled nitric oxide
was significantly different between the study and control groups at level 0.05 (p =0.002). However, the
relationship between toluene, xylene, hippuric acid, methylhippuric acid, exhaled nitric oxide and work ability of study
group were not significant. The subjects of this study were toll collectors at tolling stations in Bangkok; nevertheless we
should be concerned about their exposure to toluene, xylene and exhaled nitric oxide while working. The author
recommends that the study group should get the knowledge and understanding the hazard and the protection and the
use of the correct and suitable respiration protective equipment.
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