Risk assessment of occupational exposure to BTEX in the National Oil Distribution Company in Iran

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the quantitative, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of exposure to BTEX using lifetime cancer risk (LCR) and hazard quotient (HQ) in the National Company for Distribution of Petroleum Products in Iran. METHODS: In this risk assessment method, the data were collected in different parts of the company. In order to determine the concentration of BTEX, sampling was carried out in different parts using activated carbon. A Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) was used for analysis. Analysis and sampling was conducted according to the NIOSH 1500 method. For carcinogenic risk assessment, LCR was calculated. For non-carcinogenic risk assessment, HQ was calculated. RESULTS: The carcinogenetic risk of benzene was definite for loading and deep handling units, and safety officer, and was probable rank for sealing, inspection gate, security, loading 1, and deep handling units. The carcinogenic risk of ethylbenzene was definite for quality control and loading 1 units, was probable for deep handling and loading 2 units, and safety officer, and was possible for sealing, inspection gates, security units. The non-carcinogenic risk of toluene was acceptable for deep handling, clothing, inspection gates, and sealing units, but was unacceptable for officer safety, quality control, loading 1, and loading 2 units. The non-carcinogenic risk of xylene was acceptable for the inspection gate unit, but was unacceptable for security, sealing, officer safety, quality control, deep handling, loading 1, loading 2 units. CONCLUSIONS: This risk assessment method used was a comprehensive and quantitative method, so it determined risk accurately. Commensurate with the risk level of each part of the company, the appropriate corrective actions must be carried out.