Environmental nickel exposure from oil refinery emissions: a case study in Ecuador Raúl Harari, Florencia Harari and Francesco Forastiere

摘要

Introduction. Nickel is a strong skin and respiratory sensitizer and a recognized carcinogen.Oil refineries are important sources of atmospheric emissions of toxic pollutants,including nickel. Populations residing close to oil refineries are at potential risk.The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to nickel in a population living closeto the largest oil refinery in Ecuador, located in the city of Esmeraldas.Methodology. We recruited 47 workers from the oil refinery as well as 195 students from4 different schools close to the plant and 94 students from another school 25 km far fromthe industry. Urinary nickel concentrations were used to assess the exposure to nickel.Results. Students from the school next to the oil refinery showed the highest urinarynickel concentrations while workers from the refinery showed the lowest concentrations.Median nickel concentrations were > 2μg/L in all study groups.Conclusions. The populations living close to the oil refineries are potentially exposed tonickel from atmospheric emissions. Further studies investigating nickel-related healtheffects in the population residing close to the refinery of Esmeralda are needed.