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In the present study, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) accumulation performances of four butyl rubber (BR) monophasic passive samplers with different pore structures were investigated and the results were compared with monophasic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) samplers and biphasic semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs). Stainless steel cages con...
Citations
... However, due to the presence of additives in used oil, large amounts of carcinogenic organic compounds, particularly Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTEX) are emitted into the environment. PAHs and BTEX are recognized as toxic and carcinogenic compounds (IARC 2018;Gope et al. 2018;Cerón Bretón et al. 2020;Kozliak and Paca 2012;Jiménez-Garza et al. 2018;Denic-Roberts et al. 2023;Niaz et al. 2015;Wang et al. 2023;Dauner et al. 2016;Bouhamra 1996;Tureyen et al. 2022;Mahdad et al. 2022). Due to their lipophilic nature, these compounds accumulate within living organisms, resulting in toxicity (Nikitha et al. 2017). ...
This study conducts a health risk assessment on compounds of BTEX (benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene) and PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in a factory's burnt oil processing and recycling unit in the center of Iran. The Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) of BTEX and PAH compounds and the cancer risk and non-cancer risk indices were determined using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method and Monte Carlo simulation. BTEX and PAH concentrations were measured at eight units by collecting and analyzing samples using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 protocol. The concentration of pollutants impacted the estimated risk levels of 46.3% for benzene, 51.5% for ethylbenzene, 38.1% for naphthalene, 78.9% for benzo[a]pyrene, 49% for toluene, and 46.2% for xylene. This risk assessment analysis indicated that benzo[a]pyrene posed the most non-carcinogenic risk in all operational units. In contrast, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and naphthalene posed the least non-carcinogenic risk in all additional units. The Cancer Risk (CR) values for all recycling units indicated a definite carcinogenic risk for benzene, naphthalene, benzo[a]pyrene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene concentrations, a probable carcinogenic risk for ethylbenzene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene concentrations, and a possible carcinogenic risk for chrysene concentrations. The highest values for most of the compounds were in the distillation unit, and the lowest values varied among different units. Regularly monitoring employees and using personal protective equipment PPE for employees, workplace rotation, reducing exposure time, changing the raw material, and using control equipment are recommended.
Highlights
• The occupational exposure to BTEX and PAHs in a burnt oil-recycling factory was surveyed.
• Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess uncertainty related to risk assessment.
• CR values for benzene, naphthalene, benzopyrene, and dibenzanthracene were definite.
• HQ values of benzo[a]pyrene exceeded the acceptable level in all operational units.
• Implementing control measures and biomonitoring workers are advised.
