Investigation of the Relationship between Inhaled Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene Concentrations and the Urine Metabolites Levels in People Working at a Petrochemical Complex

Introduction: Petrochemical industries are known as one of the most important sources of organic pollutants. In this study, the relationship between inhaled benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) concentration with some urine metabolites was investigated in a petrochemical complex Methods: This cross-sectional study was an analytical type with 60 inhalation air samples and biological samples. Sampling and decomposition of pollutants were carried out in accordance with the methods of 1501 and 2549 NIOSH , then results were compared with the Occupational Exposure Scale (OEL) and the proposed National Occupational Exposure Indicators (BEI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17 software. Results: The mean concentration of TransTransmuconicand was 137μg/g Creatinine and for Hyporic acid, Phenylglyoxalic acid, Methyl-hyporic acid was respectively 0.577, 0.066 and 0.404 g/g Creatinine. The mean concentration of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o, m xylene, p xylene was 3.818, 4.004, 3.357, 0.132, 2.0159 ppm. The results showed that benzene concentrations in 5 inhalable samples and TTMA in 10 urine samples were higher than the proposed limit. Conclusion: The mean total concentration of inhaled BTEXs and their urine metabolites was lower than the recommended range of the country. The high correlation between measured pollutants in respiratory air and the concentration of administrative metabolites can indicate that chronic exposure to these pollutants leads to an increase in the excretion of urine metabolites and occupational activity has a significant effect on the health of trainees. In the face of volatile organic compounds studied.