Author(s)

Lidmary P. Alves¹, Daniela S. P. Vieira¹, Luís Sérgio S. Nunes¹, Lícia P. S. Cruz², Ana Caroline S. Reis¹, Ícaro V. S. Gomes², Sâmeque R. Luz², Akácia V. S. Santos², Mabel B. Esteves^1*

¹Center of Biomedical Research, Professional Masters in Bioenergy, College of Technology and Science—FTC, Salvador, Brazil.
²Analytical Chemistry Department, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Bahia—UFBA, Salvador, Brazil.

To show the risks and harm caused by the occupational exposure to the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes compounds (BTEX), the working conditions of 113 persons employed at gas stations in the cities of Riach?o do Jacuipe, Feira de Santana and Salvador in the state of Bahia, Brazil were investigated by experts who correlated protection measures required by law and those applied to the workers. Data collection was performed by help of a questionnaire and non-participant observation record. The age groups of the workers in the three cities surveyed were between 18 to 25 years (30.08%) and 26 to 33 years (34.51%) of the total. The study revealed an association between occupational habits of workers at gas stations and the prevalence of symptoms due to the exposure to the BTEX compounds. Regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) most workers wear boots. The data show that these workers reported symptoms such as headache, rhinitis, leg pain, drowsiness, cough, fatigue, insomnia, tremors and palpitations. These disorders are related back to previous exposure to BTEX compounds which is associated with inadequate occupational habits of the workers which potentiate chemical contamination in their respective environment.

BTEX, Gas Stations, Occupational Exposure, Symptoms

Alves, L. , Vieira, D. , Nunes, L. , Cruz, L. , Reis, A. , Gomes, Í. , Luz, S. , Santos, A. and Esteves, M. (2017) Relationship between Symptoms, Use of PPE and Habits Related to Occupational Exposure to BTEX Compounds in Workers of Gas Stations in Bahia, Brazil. Journal of Environmental Protection, 8, 650-661. doi: 10.4236/jep.2017.85042.