Dermal exposure to organic solvents and Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and health symptoms among automotive repair workers in Selangor, Malaysia

Occupational illnesses and disorders can arise from dermal exposure to organic solvents and multi-ring aromatic chemicals. There is a high likelihood of automotive mechanics and spray painters in the industrial sector acquiring occupational dermatitis and experiencing symptoms of systemic toxicity, particularly within micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This can be attributed to the inadequate implementation of occupational safety and health measures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate skin exposure to organic solvents and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by the utilisation of the DREAM method. Simultaneously, this investigation ascertains the prevalence of hand eczema and neurological symptoms. Study involved the assessment of a total of 247 individuals who were divided into two distinct groups: mechanics and spray painters, each assigned with their own specialised tasks. The DREAM approach was utilised to ascertain emission, deposition, transfer pathway, and the specific body areas that were exposed. The determination of the prevalence of health symptoms was accomplished by means of a self-reported questionnaire. The task of spray painting has a moderate to high ranking according to the DREAM scale, with the mean actual dermal exposure measured at 105.70 ± 11.92 DU (p < 0.01). The primary route of exposure seen in this task was deposition, with a mean of 248.46 ± 19.49 DU. This was followed by emission, which had a mean of 89.63 ± 11.89 DU, and transfer, which had a mean of 8.49 ± 0.66 DU. In the interim, cleaning and oil flushing task have reported a moderate level of dermal exposure as classified under the DREAM category. The mean actual dermal exposure for spent oil flushing and engine cleaning was 61.93 ± 2.05 DU and 69.11 ± 5.14 DU (p < 0.01) respectively. Spray gun cleaning was much lower at 46.32 ± 1.93 DU (p < 0.01). The emission pathway served as the primary route of exposure for these tasks, whereas the hand/wrist region was found to be the most often exposed area. Hand eczema is a more prevalent symptom among spray painters (10.5%) than mechanics (4.5%). Neurological effects are more prevalent among spray painters compared to mechanics. Spray painters had reported symptoms of cough (22.7%), phlegm (13.8%), wheezing (8.9%) and sore throat (12.1%). Factors of age (< 34 years) (p = 0.02), nationality (p = 0.01), education level (p = 0.01), duration of employment (p = 0.01), lack of PPE usage (p = 0.01), duration of exposure to organic solvents and PAHs (p = 0.01) and lack of training (p = 0.01) has significant to dermal exposure among automotive repair workers. In conclusion, automotive repair workers were at risk of getting occupational diseases due to the moderate–high exposure to organic solvents and PAHs. In order to mitigate exposure, it is imperative to have a heightened consciousness regarding skin protection and engage in appropriate training.

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