Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration levels of hippuric acid and 2, 3, 4- methyl hippuric acid isomers as biological indicators of exposure to toluene and xylene isomers in the urine of the gas stations workers of Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: The urine sample was taken the first time in January and the second time in June 2018. Eight gas stations were selected in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran. The study sample was 24 males; three workers participated in the study from each gas station. Two workers in each gas station served as the exposed group, and one secretary from each gas station was the control group. The participants’ ages ranged from 21 to 49 years. Each participant was requested to fill out a consent form to participate in the study and a questionnaire containing personal information such as age, smoking, weight and height, and work experience. Results: The mean concentration of hippuric acid, 2, 3 and 4- methyl hippuric acid in the investigated urine of the workers were 0.245, 0.017, 0.012, and 0.011 g/g creatinine, respectively. There was no relationship between variable of season and levels of hippuric acid, 2, 3 and 4- methyl hippuric acid in the urine of exposed and control groups. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the analyzed results of urine samples between control and exposure groups. There was at least one methyl hippuric acid isomer, indicating that all subjects were exposed to xylene, which was lower than the threshold limit value. In conclusion, the variable of season cannot cause a significant change in the metabolites of toluene and xylene isomers. Exposure of workers to toluene and xylene at gas stations is within acceptable limits.
Highlights
V olatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are among the most important air pollutants in the workplace
There was at least one methyl hippuric acid isomer, indicating that all subjects were exposed to xylene, which was lower than the threshold limit value
The mean concentrations of 3-Methylhippuric Acid (MHA) in the urine samples of workers in gas stations numbers 3 and 1 were higher compared to other gas stations (Figure 3)
Summary
V olatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are among the most important air pollutants in the workplace. Toluene and xylene isomers are classified as VOCs. gasoline contains volatile organic compounds, especially toluene and xylene isomers (ortho, meta, and para-xylene). Gas station workers can have respiratory exposure to toluene and xylene isomers due to their volatility [1]. The recommended permissible exposure limit to toluene and xylene isomers by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is 100 ppm. Toluene and xylene isomers can be absorbed through the skin and respiratory tract [2]. Toluene and xylene are classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in group. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration levels of hippuric acid and 2, 3, 4- methyl hippuric acid isomers as biological indicators of exposure to toluene and xylene isomers in the urine of the gas stations workers of Ahvaz, Iran
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
