The Assessment of health effects from toluene and xylene exposure related to work ability of garbage collector in pollution control area, Rayong province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/dcj.2021.9Keywords:
toluene, xylene, work ability, symptoms, garbage collectorAbstract
This research was a cross sectional study. The objectives were to evaluate health effects (symptom) from toluene and xylene’s exposure that is related to work ability among the garbage collector in pollution control area, Rayong province. The 100 samples were selected by purposive sampling. The instrument was questionnaire and plastic bottles 20 cubic centimeter for collecting urine after work. The average mean age was 44.05 years. Ninety two percent of the study group worked 8 hours per day; 63 % worked 6 days per week. Fifty seven percent always used respiratory protection; most of them used only cotton masks 97.9%. After finishing the work, the study group had fatigue at arm and leg 66.4%, fatigue whole body 64.5%, knee pain 62.5%, cough 53.3%, headache 48.7%, and dizziness 44.1%. Their work ability was at good level 64.0%. Urine samples collected after the work shift showed that the average of toluene in urine was 0.001 ± 0.002 µg/l and xylene was 0.038 ± 0.082 µg/l. The relationship between toluene and xylene in urine and work ability of study group was not significant associated. We should concern about the training in order to gain the knowledge and understanding of the hazard environment in working place and the protection. Furthermore, garbage collector should be advised to use suitable respiration protective equipment in a correct manner and should be continuously encouraged health promotion to improve their work ability.
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