Estimating risk during showering exposure to VOCs of workers in a metal-degreasing facility.
The incremental risk of workers in a metal-degreasing facility exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the water supply during showering was estimated. A probabilistic and worst-case approach using specific-site concentration data and a generalized multipathway exposure model was applied. Estimates of hazard index and lifetime cancer risk were analyzed for each chemical and each route of exposure (inhalation and dermal absorption). The results showed that dermal exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene, PCE) represented the main contribution to total risk. Although the inhalation route did not produce significant exposure, it was mainly influenced by the liquid flow rate of the shower. Lower values of this parameter during showering resulted in a significant reduction of both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk, while decreasing water temperature produced a minimal effect on exposure by this pathway. The results obtained in the present study indicated that significant exposures of workers may be produced during showering in metal degreasing installations where releases to water of VOCs occur. A sensitivity analysis was developed for investigating the effect of scenario parameters on exposure. Although site-specific data were employed, the exposure of workers was assessed in a model scenario and thus the quantification of risk is associated with uncertainty. Considering that occupational exposure to organic solvents of workers in metal-degreasing facilities may also be significant, risk assessment must be included in the planning of this kind of industrial installation.
Franco
Amaya
A
Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, santiago de composa.
Costoya
Miguel Angel
MA
Roca
Enrique
E
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D001494:Baths; D006801:Humans; D008669:Metallurgy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012869:Skin Absorption; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D014241:Trichloroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D014835:Volatilization
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012997:Solvents; D014241:Trichloroethylene; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene