Evaluation of Benzene and Toluene Levels Released into the Breathing Zone of Spray Painters Working in Small Scale Informal Auto-Garage, in Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2019
Authors
Mwatu, Agnes
Warutere, Peterson
Keraka, Margaret
Muhoho, Ngethe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies
Abstract
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are both naturally occurring as well as man-made chemicals. They
range from harmless, to highly mutagenic and carcinogenic types. Benzene and toluene are among the widely used VOCs
as solvents and diluents in products such as paints and aerosols. Lack of exposure control to benzene and toluene in the
informal auto garages may lead to spray painters’ risk of acquiring ill-health symptoms associated with benzene and
toluene exposure. Depending on method of application and control measures applied during auto spray painting in small
scale informal auto garages, uncontrolled and a high amount of benzene and toluene may be released into the ambient
air and into the breathing zone of the spray painters. The aim of this study was therefore, to evaluate the levels of benzene
and toluene compounds in the ambient air and especially the levels emitted in the breathing zone of the spray painters in
small scale informal auto garages, through a cross-sectional method of study. The study population was composed of
twenty nine (29) spray painters randomly selected from one hundred and ten (110) spray painters in the study area. The
benzene and toluene compounds were collected by use of Gastec passive colour dosimeter tubes placed near the breathing
zone of spray painters during spraying process. The average amounts of benzene and toluene were 73.46ppm and
61.22ppm respectively, against WHO’s recommended maximum of 0.5ppm for benzene and 50ppm for toluene. The
amounts of benzene and toluene were significantly high, (P = 0.0001) and (P = 0.001) respectively. T-test was used to
compare the means of various variables in the study. The study concluded that there was a high concentration of benzene
and toluene released in the breathing zone of spray painters during spray painting exercise and, recommended the results
to guide policy on benzene and toluene exposure control and awareness creation among the auto spray painters.
Description
Keywords
Benzene, toluene, levels, pray painters, small scale auto-garages
Citation
Mwatu, A. K., Warutere, P., Keraka, M. N., & Muhoho, N. Evaluation Of Benzene And Toluene Levels Released Into The Breathing Zone Of Spray Painters Working In Small Scale Informal Auto-Garage, In Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya.