Exposure to organic solvents among furniture workers in Karabaglar, Izmir

Background: Among manufacturing industries, the furniture sector is particularly risky . The study was conducted to determine whether exposure to toluene, xylene and benzene and to assess the health impact of these solvents on workers in furniture enterprises in Karabaglar, Izmir.
Method: This cross-sectional study covered furniture enterprises in Karabaglar, Izmir participating in an IPEC Project implemented by the MoLSS Labour Inspection Board. This study was comprised of an exposed group consisting of workers engaged in painting and varnishing and therefore exposed either directly or indirectly toluene, xylene and benzene in the workplace and the non-exposed group engaged in other aspects of production. While a total of 261 individuals completed questionnaires, 210 workers agreed to provide blood samples. Blood solvents levels were determined using gas chromatograph at Ege University, Intoxication Research and Application Centre. The modified EUROQUEST questionnaire was used to assess neuro-psychological symptoms and neurological and general examination were performed.  Occupational and exposure history, demographic and work related information were collected.
Results: In this study of workers, blood toluene and benzene levels were found to be significantly higher among those engaged in painting and varnishing compared to those who perform other tasks. Smokers and participants who worked in excess of 8 hours/day had higher blood toluene and benzene levels. The most frequently work related health complaints were back pain, allergies and asthma. No differences were found in the average scores in the neuro-psychological symptoms questionnaire between exposed and non-exposed groups. Neurological examination of two individuals with these complaints revealed a loss of reflexes.
Conclusions: The workers were unaware that they were being exposed to solvents at work. Tobacco smoke is a major source of internal exposure to benzene. Improving working conditions in furniture work places is a priority.