Evaluation of occupational health risk on exposure to benzenes using different risk assessment methods in a laboratory
10.20001/j.issn.2095-2619.20241010
- VernacularTitle:不同风险评估法评估某实验室苯系物接触岗位职业健康风险
- Author:
Runan QIN
1
;
Baofeng LIU
;
Xudong LI
;
Qiang ZENG
Author Information
1. Institute for Occupational Health, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin 300011, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Benzenes;
Benzene;
Toluene;
Xylenes;
Risk assessment;
Laboratory;
Occupational health
- From:
China Occupational Medicine
2024;51(5):539-543
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To analyze the applicability of different risk assessment methods in assessing laboratory benzenes exposure. Methods The work positions exposed to benzenes (benzene, toluene, xylenes) of a chemical catalyst research and development company were selected as the research subjects. An occupational health field survey was conducted, and the benzenes exposure levels of the lab personnel were measured. Qualitative assessment method, comprehensive index method, quantitative assessment method, and occupational hazards classification method were used to evaluate the occupational health risk on benzenes exposure in the laboratory personnel. The applicability of different assessment methods was compared. Results The occupational health engineering protection measures and management system of the company need to be further implemented. The benzene exposure level of benzene hydrogenation laboratory personnel exceeded the national standard, with the exposure concentration of time weighted average (CTWA) of 5.00 mg/m3 and short term exposure concentration (CSTE) of 10.50 mg/m3. The CTWA and CSTE of toluene and xylenes exposure were both lower than the minimum quantitative concentrations. The results of different risk assessment methods varied. The qualitative assessment method indicated higher level of occupational health risk of benzenes, while the comprehensive index and hazard classification methods indicated consistent result on lower level of benzenes. For occupational health risk of benzene, the standardized risk ratio (RR) levels corresponding to the qualitative and quantitative assessment methods were both extremely high risk. The RR levels of benzene exposure assessment using the comprehensive index method and the occupational hazards classification method were high, while the corresponding RR levels of exposure to toluene and xylenes were both low. Conclusion Attention should be paid on the health risks of benzene exposure to benzene hydrogenation laboratory personnel. When benzene exposure level is below the national occupational exposure limit, occupational hazards classification method is not recommended for health risk assessment for benzenes. The comprehensive index method is preferable when more comprehensive occupational health information is available, as it provides a more objective and comprehensive evaluation on occupational health risks of benzenes.
