Determination of the safe duration of benzene non-carcinogenic exposure in motor workshop area

Workers in motor workshop area who working more than 3 years were at risk of exposure to benzene from improved emissions of vehicles in their work environment. The objectives of this study were to measure the duration of safe exposure to benzene in the work environment of motor workshops and to know Risk Quotient (RQ) due to exposure to benzene (non-carcinogenic).

This type of research was an analytical study by using Environmental Health Risk Analysis design, which was used to assess and predict what would happen due to hazardous substances exposure. In this case, benzene was used as one component in fuel oil. The sample population was 15 people from all workers in a motor workshop area in Surabaya. Data analysis was using manual data calculation to know the benzene intake, the Risk Quotient (RQ) on worker and the duration of safe exposure of benzene in motor vehicle workshop area.

It was found that the average intake of benzene in motor workshop area in Surabaya was 0.01631 mg/kg/day, the average of RQ was was 1.91882 mg/Kg/day or RQ>1, indicating that workers in motor workshop area had health risk due to benzene exposure) and the safe duration of benzene exposure for workers in the motor workshop area was 5.43 years. Therefore, it was necessary to control the work environment to reduce effect of the benzene exposure on workers. It was concluded that workers in the motor workshop area were at a risk of benzene exposure but could work safely for 5.43 years. It was depend on the food intake and the condition of each body of workers in the motor workshop environment. Recommendations were by consuming CYP2E1 enzyme contained in cow liver and salmon to lower benzene levels in the body.⁸