Evaluation of Dermal Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using DREAM Method in Production of Bituminous Waterproofing

Journal Title: Archives of Occupational Health - Year 2018, Vol 2, Issue 2

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that dermal exposure to multi-ring aromatic compounds can lead to skin and systemic absorption of these materials. Due to the low vapor pressure of these materials, the main cause of occupations exposure in certain occupations is skin contact. The production of bitumen products due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) in the bitumen of the production line has a health hazard. It is noteworthy that skin rashes with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in this industry can cause skin problems in the workplace. This study evaluates skin exposure to these compounds in the ISO-industry using DREAM method. Methods: In this study, we evaluated 120 different workers in different groups of four waterproofing plants with aromatic hydrocarbons. In the DREAM method, five types of skin exposures including distributing exposure, transitional exposure, displacement exposure, probable exposure, and actual exposure are assessed and calculated using tables and software. Results: The highest transmission and distribution exposure was found to be 28.81 (19.5) and 9.1 (4.86), respectively, in the manufacturing jobs and bitumen ponds. Displacement exposure was observed only in roll-up and labeling groups. The areas of the hand and shoulder were more likely to be exposed than other parts of the body. The probable and real exposure to the head and arm was lower than elsewhere. In all occupations, the most important exposure to the skin was transmission and distribution exposure. Conclusion: DREAM method can be used to assess skin exposures. In this study, the actual and probable skin exposure levels were approximately the same, indicating a lack of proper skin protection in the workforce. Unhealthy behaviors, non-use of personal equipment and inappropriate connection are the causes of this finding.

Authors and Affiliations

Mohammad Javad Zare Sakhvidi, Ali Nematolahi, Hamideh Mihanpour, Zahra Mansouri

Keywords

Related Articles

Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Bus and Truck Drivers

Background: Heavy vehicle drivers are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to risk factors that are present in their job. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal di...

Evaluation of Ergonomic Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders among Kitchen Workers

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders in kitchen workers are prevalent due to the nature of work and repetitive work. But few studies have been done on this profession. The RULA procedure is one of the best posture asses...

The Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Radiotherapists

Background: Ionizing radiation is one of the hazardous agents in the work place. It can cause serious and irreversible damage to the people exposed to it. Working in such environments can also causes chronic fatigue synd...

Evaluating the Effects of a Training Intervention on Increasing the Workers’ Use of Hearing Protective Equipment by Kirk Patrick Model in Yazd Persepolis Tile Industry

Background: According to the Labor Code, one of the important duties of employers in the field of safety and health is the provision of personal protective equipment and its training to workers. How to train workers who...

Effective Factors on Occurrence of Drugs Mistakes from the Viewpoints of Nurses

Background: Human error is more prevalent among nurses than other health care occupations. These mistakes are used as important index for determination of the safety of patients in hospitals. The purpose of this study wa...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP306797
  • DOI -
  • Views 52
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Mohammad Javad Zare Sakhvidi, Ali Nematolahi, Hamideh Mihanpour, Zahra Mansouri (2018). Evaluation of Dermal Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using DREAM Method in Production of Bituminous Waterproofing. Archives of Occupational Health, 2(2), 108-115. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-306797