Dermal and Inhalation Exposure to Solvents in the Petroleum Laboratory: A Study of Exposure Pathway Correlation

Abstract

Laboratory workers are at risk of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through inhalation and dermal contact, which can lead to adverse health effects. Despite the importance of dermal exposure, it is often overlooked in occupational risk assessments.

This study investigated dermal exposure to five VOCs (benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, total hydrocarbon, and xylene) among laboratory technicians. Paired air and skin exposure measurements were collected using standard sampling methods. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Spearman's rank correlation to evaluate the relationship between air and skin exposure levels.

The results showed that dermal exposure levels were significantly higher than air exposure levels for all compounds, with mean dermal exposure concentrations ranging from 0.10 μg (ethylbenzene) to 19,086.07 μg (THC) and mean air exposure concentrations ranging from 0.0502 μg (benzene) to 13.47 μg (THC). The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed significant differences between air and skin exposure levels for all compounds (p < 0.05), with V statistic values ranging from 78 (benzene) to 105 (toluene, THC, and xylene). Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between air and skin exposure for xylene (ρ = 0.667, p = 0.0092), but no significant correlation for benzene (ρ = 0.000, p = 1.000), ethylbenzene (ρ = NA, p = NA), toluene (ρ = -0.080, p = 0.786), and THC (ρ = 0.258, p = 0.373).

This study highlights the importance of considering dermal exposure in occupational risk assessments for laboratory workers. The results emphasize the need for route-specific monitoring practices and control measures to mitigate dermal exposure risks. These findings have significant implications for occupational health and safety, and can inform the development of more effective exposure control strategies.

Key words: Dermal exposure; inhalation exposure; laboratory workers, permeation pads, risk assessment