Control of workers’ exposure to xylene in a pesticide production factory

Abstract

Background:

Acute and chronic exposure to xylene can result in a range of negative health effects. However, xylene is widely used and emitted in the air of workplaces.

Objectives:

To evaluate xylene vapor concentrations to guide the design and evaluation of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system to reduce exposure in a pesticide production factory.

Method:

A real time volatile organic compound (VOC) monitor was used to determine the workers’ time-weighted average (TWA) exposure. A LEV system was designed, and then, workers’ exposure to xylene vapor was evaluated.

Results:

We found that worker’s exposure to xylene (4·7±5·5 ppm) was lower than the standards recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA). Despite the low TWA exposures, the short-term exposures for some workers were higher than STEL levels. Three canopy hoods were designed and installed with capture velocities of 0·508 m second⁻¹ and duct velocity of 10·16 m second⁻¹.

Conclusion:

We found that an exhaust ventilation system had a significantly reduced occupational exposure to xylene vapor.

Keywords:

• Industrial ventilation
• Pesticide factory
• Workers’ exposure
• Xylene

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank all workers, manager, and occupational health expert of the factory for their cooperation in the study. Our thanks also go to Mazandaran University and Medical Sciences for financial support.