Abstract

GONZALEZ RUIZ, Gisela; BAENA DIAZ, Blanca; GOMEZ DOMINGUEZ, Wendy  and  MERCADO MENDOZA, Yamith. RISK OF EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALCOMPOUNDS IN WOOD PROCESSING WORKERS. Hacia promoc. Salud [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.1, pp.105-117. ISSN 0121-7577.

Objectives: to identify risks from exposure to organic solvents and demonstrations in their health condition in a sample of workers engaged in the activity of wood processing, from the assessment of risk matrix and socialdemographic identify survey in an area of informal (self-employed) economy in Sincelejo in 2010. Materials and Methods: observational cross-sectional descriptive study in a total workforce of 132 workers, of which 55 were finally selected to meet the required inclusion criteria: seniority in office (5 years or more), consent to be part of the study and to use their data for statistical purposes. The information was collected through the application of hazard identification matrix (Colombian Technical Guide 045) and the socialdemographic and health conditions identification format: , The analysis was performed using the statistical program Epi-Info 3.5.3. Results: risk following exposure to organic solvents was found: lacquer (52.7%), resin (57%), dark stain (20%), formaldehyde (12.7%), paint (70.9%), varnish (40.6%), thinner (70.9%), gasoline (87.3%), petroleum (21.8%), rubber (61.8%), sealant (58.2%), enamel (43, 6%) and matt 41.8%. The clinical manifestations detected and affectations to their health conditions were: cephalalgia (38.2%), insomnia (14.5%), allergies (18.2%), respiratory distress (16.4%), dermatological alterations (14.5%), paresthesia (32.7%), seizures (1.8%) and fainting (1.8%). Conclusions: The existence of risk from exposure to organic solvents, inadequate specific, collective. individual and clinic protection derived from exposure were confirmed. Further research with larger sample populations, clinical control and adoption of preventive measurements is recommended, as well as cause and effect relationship analysis, and follow up through epidemiologic surveillance of the affected group,.

Keywords : Occupational hazards; exposure to chemical substances; occupational health; informal workers.

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