The effect of dust-protective respirator mask and the relevance of work category on urinary 1- hydroxypyrene concentration in PAH exposed electrode paste plant workers

摘要

Large amounts of polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons(PAH)are found in the work environment of electrode paste workers. Inhalation and skin uptake are both important routes for PAH exposure. We have studied the effect of dust-protective respirator masks by measuring urinary 1- hydroxypyrene as a biomarker for PAH exposure. Eighteen workers divided into work categories at the factory were monitored by personal air sampling and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene every work shift for two consecutive weeks. In the second week of the study, the workers were encouraged to wear respirator masks persistently, which resulted in a significant reduction in urinary 1- hydroxypyrene in end-of-shift samples(paired t-test P = 0.009).