The challenges of controlling organic solvents in a paint factory due to solvent impurity

In this study, several exhaust ventilation systems were designed and implemented in a paint manufacturing factory, using ACGIH recommendations. The personal exposure of workers to solvents used in the factory was evaluated to examine the role of implemented standard ventilation system. For this purpose, Toluene and Xylene concentration were monitored before and after the application of ventilation systems. Personal samples and subsequent analysis were conducted according to OSHA's method No: 12. Samples were analyzed, using Gas Chromatography. The results showed that the ventilation standards recommended by ACGIH were able to control Toluene and Xylene vapors successfully below the recommended TLVs (e.g. 44.49 ppm and 97.73 ppm respectively). It was also discovered that although Benzene was not reported as a component of the paint, its concentration in breathing zone of workers were much higher than the respective TLV (e.g. 4.5 ppm). This could be from the impurity of solvents used in paint factories which raises new questions. According to IRIS epidemiologic information, it was found that implementation of industrial ventilation systems decrease the relative risk (RR) of leukemia due to exposure to benzene, from 66.4 to 3.2 cases per work life, in this factory. Finally it was deduced that solvents impurities such as Benzene should be seriously considered as a major problem that may not be controlled using ventilation standards recommended by ACGIH for paint mixing and storing process.