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Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional online

versão impressa ISSN 2183-8453

Resumo

SANTOS, M; ALMEIDA, A  e  LOPES, C. CHEMICAL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSPORT SECTOR. RPSO [online]. 2022, vol.13, pp.195-202.  Epub 21-Jul-2022. ISSN 2183-8453.  https://doi.org/10.31252/rpso.26.02.2022.

Introduction/framework/objectives

Drivers are subject to numerous occupational hazards; however, the associates at the Chemical level are not particularly developed, nor is bibliography on the subject easily found. The aim of this review was to summarize what is most relevant described, in order to enhance the work developed by the Occupational Health and Safety teams with clientes on this sector.

Methodology

This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in February 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”.

Contents

Individuals with jobs in this sector are exposed to chemical agents resulting from incomplete combustion, engine emissions and elements secondary to the evaporation of fuels. Although some exist in low concentrations, they have carcinogenic potential.

After the decrease in lead in gasoline, other substances began to be used more, such as benzene, toluene and xylene; as well as ethanol and metanol, in order to increase efficiency.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified benzene as a human carcinogen. In practice, a decrease in the number of blood cells is observed (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia or even leukemia); although the mechanism is not fully understood. Taxi drivers are considered to be sufficiently exposed professionally to present these changes. The concentration of benzene for these is two to three times lower than that found in the vicinity of structures in the oil industry (for example), but still three times higher than the limit recommended by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists.

There is also exposure to other hydrocarbons, particulate matter, heavy metals such as lead and volatile organic compounds.

Discussion and Conclusions

The Chemical Risk associated with passenger and/or goods transport vehicles is relevant and reasonably little studied, although some medical consequences are very relevant.

In terms of collective protection measures, only the use of HEPA filters are mentioned in some contexts, as well as having or not having the window open and the air circulation system on; in the context of individual protection measures, none of the consulted articles developed them.

It would be relevant for a Health and Safety team with several clients in these sector, to better assess the situation and disseminate their data and conclusions through the publication of article(s), to have more knowledge to work in this area and be able to provide a healthier and safer work environment.

Palavras-chave : chemical risk; driver; taxi driver; occupational health and occupational medicine..

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