Risk of Exposure to Xylene in Pathologic Anatomy Laboratory

The xylene is an important component of the routine, almost indispensable in laboratory and is often perceived by the technicians as a source of problems for the health. This study intends to assess risk of occupational exposure to xylene in pathologic anatomy laboratory, of school of higher education. Air samples (111) were collected using activated charcoal cartridges, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Personal sampling was performed by passive diffusive samplers, placed in the breathing zone of the worker (graduate in Pathological Anatomy), were held three sampling per day. Environmental sampling was carried out by active sampling, with the aspiration flow fixed at 0.13 liters/minute, according to a NIOSH analytical method 1501 for aromatic hydrocarbons. The all average concentration obtained exceeded the Threshold Limit Values - Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA), established in Decree-Law 24/2012 (50 ppm), and 43.2% of the TWA was higher to 100 ppm (established in standard NP 1796:2007). Concentrations above 100 ppm may endanger the professionals to develop their activity in this laboratory. In the first day of the week was note the most levels low and Friday note the levels more higher, due to the renewal of Xylene of each container and chemical waste disposal.