Publication: Arsenic exposure levels of petrochemical workers in three workplace settings in Rayong Province, Thailand
Issued Date
2017-10-03
Resource Type
ISSN
15497860
10807039
10807039
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-85026362583
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment. Vol.23, No.7 (2017), 1645-1654
Suggested Citation
Laksanee Boonkhao, Wantanee Phanprasit, Mark Gregory Robson, Dusit Sujirarat, Suphaphat Kwonpongsagoon, Chaiyanun Tangtong Arsenic exposure levels of petrochemical workers in three workplace settings in Rayong Province, Thailand. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment. Vol.23, No.7 (2017), 1645-1654. doi:10.1080/10807039.2017.1333406 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/42659
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Arsenic exposure levels of petrochemical workers in three workplace settings in Rayong Province, Thailand
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
© 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Background: Crude oil and natural gas are often contaminated with arsenic. As a carcinogen, arsenic contamination in the workplace is of concern, particularly when urinary arsenic levels are higher than the standard. The aim of this study was to identify exposure sources of arsenic among petrochemical workers. Methods: A total of 188 operators and 30 office workers participated in the study. Ninety-three workplace air samples, three main meals in five consecutive days, and drinking water were collected from each participant. Urine was collected at the end of the day after the last food sample was collected from each subject. Urine samples where arsenic concentration exceeded 100 mg/L were further analyzed to identify species. Results: The average arsenic concentrations in operators' and office workers' food and urine were 0.55 ± 1.00 and 0.49 ± 0.67 mg/kg; and 76.43 ± 107.36 and 149.92 ± 200.28 mg/L, respectively. The arsenic concentrations in air and water were well below their standards. The urinary arsenic correlated well with arsenic in the food but not in the air and water. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to arsenic among operators and office workers was lower than 1% TLV (Threshold limit value) and did not differ significantly. The major source of arsenic exposure Q2 was food.