Health risk assessment of exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in a composite manufacturing plant: Monte-Carlo simulations

This study aimed to assess the possible non-cancer and cancer risks associated with BTEX in a composite manufacturing plant for the first time. Air samples of BTEX were gathered from the breathing zone of participants based on the method of NIOSH 1501 using an adsorbent tube containing activated coconut charcoal and a pump at the recommended flow rate between 50 and 200 milliliters per min. After the preparation, the samples were analyzed using GC mass spectrometry. To evaluate the non-cancer and cancer risks of the pollutants, the method proposed by the United States environmental protection agency (USEPA) was applied. The mean concentrations of BTEX were found lower than the threshold limit values (TLV). The non-carcinogenic risk values of benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were found to be 46.00, 6.96, and 22.4 times, respectively, higher than the threshold levels set by the US EPA. Whereas the risk of toluene was lower than the acceptable limit. Moreover, the results point to a specific risk of cancer for the workers exposed to benzene and ethylbenzene in this industry, indicating a potential for 1.66 and 1.91 additional cases per 100 workers exposed to benzene and ethylbenzene, respectively.

Automated summary

This study assessed the non-cancer and cancer risks associated with BTEX in a composite manufacturing plant for the first time. Air samples were collected and analyzed, and the US EPA method was used for risk evaluation. The concentrations of BTEX were found to be lower than the threshold limit values, but the non-carcinogenic risks of benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were higher than the acceptable levels. Additionally, there was a specific risk of cancer for workers exposed to benzene and ethylbenzene in this industry.