Assessment of carcinogenicity and health risks from respiratory exposure to BTEX compounds at the Kermanshah oil depot in Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Environment, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 67189-97551, Kermanshah, Iran.

2 Department of Public Health, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 67189-97551, Kermanshah, Iran.

10.22059/poll.2025.384510.2623

Abstract

Petroleum product loading stations handle liquid petroleum products, exposing employees to volatile organic compounds that pose serious health risks. This study evaluated the health risks from Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene (BTEX) exposure among workers at the Kermanshah National Oil Products Distribution Company. BTEX sampling was conducted at six loading stations over 48 hours in 8-hour shifts using NIOSH method 1501, with compounds extracted using carbon disulfide and analyzed by gas chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector. Risk assessment followed the Singapore method. Results indicated that benzene and toluene made up 42% and 33% of BTEX compounds in workers' breathing zones, while xylene and ethylbenzene accounted for 21% and 4%, respectively. The average concentrations were: benzene at 0.51 ± 0.14 ppm, toluene at 0.28 ± 0.08 ppm, ethylbenzene at 0.05 ± 0.01 ppm, and xylene at 0.17 ± 0.05 ppm. Benzene risk ratings ranged from low at station 6 to very high at station 1, line 2, with the highest carcinogenic risk at station 3, line 1 (1.13 × 10^-3) and the lowest at station 6 (1.10 × 10^-5). Non-cancer hazard quotients for toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were below 1, indicating acceptable risk levels. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and regulations to mitigate BTEX emission risks in the oil industry, emphasizing the importance of compliance with air quality standards.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 March 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics