The relationship between toluene and xylene’s exposure and work ability among the road sweepers in pollution control area, Rayong Province
Keywords:
Toluene, Xylene, Work ability, Road sweeperAbstract
This research was a cross sectional study. The objectives were to evaluate toluene and xylene’s exposure and work ability
among the road sweepers in pollution control area in Rayong province. We sampled 200 persons. The mean age of the study group (n=100) was 44.05 years; the mean age in the comparison group (n=100) was 33.95 years. Ninety two percent of the study group worked 8 hours per day; 63 % worked, 6 days per week. Fifty seven percent always used respiratory protection; however, most of them used only cotton masks (97.9%). Most of them about work ability had good level (64.0%). In order to assess exposure to pollutants air sample were collected by attaching a personal “Organic Vapor Monitor (3M 3500)” to the lapel of each participant. Results of the study group (n=100) showed average exposure measures of toluene of 86.09 (SD= ± 84.016 ppb) and xylene 4.85 (SD= ± 6.125 ppb). Urine samples were also collected after the work shift. Results of urine samples (n=100) showed average + SD of toluene to be 0.001 ± 0.002 μg/l and xylene 0.038 ± 0.082 μg/l. The average comparison of concentration of toluene and xylene was significantly different between the study and comparison groups at level 0.05 (p <0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). However, the relationship between toluene and xylene in atmosphere and in urine and work ability of study group were not significant. We should be concerned about the training in order to gain the knowledge and understanding the hazard environment in working place and the protection. Furthermore, road sweepers should be advised to use suitable respiration protective equipment in a correct manner.
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