RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 O2D.4 Benzene and toluene exposure and symptoms affecting work ability among the road sweepers in pollution control area, rayong province, thailand JF Occupational and Environmental Medicine JO Occup Environ Med FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP A19 OP A19 DO 10.1136/OEM-2019-EPI.50 VO 76 IS Suppl 1 A1 Srirat Lormphongs YR 2019 UL http://oem.bmj.com/content/76/Suppl_1/A19.1.abstract AB Background Road sweepers exposed to the exhausted smoke and carbon deposit from the vehicles which will stimulate the allergic from various chemicals and affected to their health. The objectives were to evaluate benzene and toluene exposure and symptoms and work ability among the road sweepers in pollution control area, Rayong province, Thailand.Methods The methods used Organic Vapor Monitor (3M 3500) for collecting air samples adhered to the road sweepers at the level of breathing, and the collection of urine in 20 cc. plastic bottles.Results The mean age of the study group was 44.05 years. 92.0% of the study group worked 8 hours per day; 63% worked, 6 days per week. 57.0% always used respiratory protection; however, most of them used only cotton masks (97.9%). Most of them about work ability had good level (64.0%). Results of the study group (n=100) showed average exposure measures of benzene of 20.63 (SD=±1.363 ppb), and toluene 86.09 (SD=±84.016 ppb). Results of urine samples (n=100), after the work shift, showed average ±SD of toluene to be 0.001±0.002 µg/L. The average comparison of concentration of benzene and toluene was significantly different between the study and comparison groups at level 0.05 (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). However, the relationship between benzene and toluene in the atmosphere and in the urine and work ability of study group were not significant.Conclusion Based on the results of this study, benzene and toluene in the atmosphere and in the urine and symptoms among road sweepers were detected. Health promotion and protection programs should be emphasized. Respiration protective equipment should also be provided.