Investigation and health risk assessment on environment Benzenes in a shoe factory

Abstract:

Objective：To understand the exposures of Benzenes in working environment of a shoe factory in Chongqing and to evaluate the risks to health. Methods：According to the established guidelines for harmful occupational chemical exposure risk assessment in Singapore，the exposure and health examination results of workers exposed to Benzenes were assessed. Results：Risk levels of Benzene，Toluene and Xylene were 3.24，2.57 and 2.40. Leukocyte abnormal rates were statistically different among workers with different types of work（ χ2＝7.236，P＝0.027）. Leukocyte abnormal rates were statistically different between male and female（ χ2＝9.334，P＝0.002）. There was no significant difference in erythrocytes，hemoglobin and platelet abnormal rate among workers（Fisher，P＝0.455-0.777）. Cancer risks of Benzene in sole workshop and heel workshop were significantly higher than the maximum level（10-4） stipulated by the U.S. environmental protection agency. Non-cancer risk of Toluene was higher in soles workshop than the other workshops and was 1.56 times higher than the standard. Conclusions：Serious cancer risks exist in sole and heel workshops，posing health threat to work－ers. The working environment should be improved to ensure the health of workers.