Occupational Naphthalene Exposure and Health Risk Assessment among Urban Bus Drivers
Keywords:
Bus drivers, Health risk assessment, Naphthalene, Occupational ExposureAbstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess occupational exposure to naphthalene and the associated health risks among urban bus drivers. Thirty-six full-shift personal breathing-zone air sample were collected for naphthalene analysis. Information on personal characteristics, work characteristics and bus characteristics was also collected. Non-cancer and cancer risks associated with inhalation exposure to naphthalene were assessed according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) framework.
The results showed that the mean naphthalene concentration in breathing-zone was 159.76 ± 196.73 µg/m³. The exposure concentrations (ECs) used to assessed non-cancer and cancer risks were 48.94 and 11.19 µg/m³, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) for non-cancer effects was 16.31, and the estimated lifetime cancer risk was 3.80 × 10-4. These findings indicate that, inhalation exposure to naphthalene among urban bus drivers warrants attention and that measures to reduce and control exposure during work should be implemented.
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