The investigation and analysis of the harmfulness by benzene,toluene and xylene in a fish pole plant in maoming

Objective To study the hazardous effect of mixed benzene(benzene,toluene and xylene,BTX)on the health of the workers in a fish pole plant in Maoming Guangdong.Methods The concentrations of BTX in the workplaces were determined in a fish pole plant in maoming and 50 workers exposed to BTX(exposure group)and 68 unexposed workers(female 35cases,men 31 cases,(control group)were health examinationed.Results The PC-TWA and the STEL of BTX in the workplaces were lower occupation exposure limits.The incidences of headache、dizzy、wakefulness、mnemasthenia in the exposure group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The results of the blood test show that the reduce of the white blood cell of the exposure group(6 cases)were significantly higher than those in the control group(1 cases)(P<0.01).Conclusion It may lead to potential hazard on the exposure BTX in the fish pole plant,so protection against it should be made. Key words: Benzene; Toluene ; Xylene; Investigation; Fish pole plant