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KMID : 0895420100200030147
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Enviromental Hygiene
2010 Volume.20 No. 3 p.147 ~ p.155
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A Comparison on the Characteristics of Benzene Exposure between the Coal chemical and Petrochemical refining method during Turnaround
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Chung Eun-Kyo
Yoo Kye-Mook
Shin Jung-Ah
Kwon Ji-Woon
Park Hyun-Hee
Chung Kwang-Jae
Lee In-Seop
Kang Seong-Kyu
Ryu Hyang-Woo
Kim Young-Sun
Lee Byung-Kyu
Jang Jae-Kil
Kim Won
Kim Jung-Man
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Abstract
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This study was conducted to investigate the benzene exposure levels in coal chemical and petrochemical refining industries during BTX turnaround (TA) processes where benzene was being produced. Three companies producing benzene were selected, one coal chemical and two petrochemical industries. TA processes were classified into three stages: shut down, maintenance, and start up. Data was analyzed by classifying the refining method into 2 groups (Petrochemistry, Coal chemistry) for 823 workers. Comparing the data from petrochemical industries with data from a coal chemical refining industry, while benzene concentration levels of long-term samples during TA were not statistically different (p> 0.05), those levels of short-term samples were significantly different (p< 0.001). About 4.79 % of data in petrochemical industries exceed the occupational exposure limits (OELs) of benzene, 1 ppm. In a coal refining methods, about 15.7% exceeded the benzene OELs. The benzene concentrations in maintenance and start up stage of TA for petrochemical refineries were higher than those in a coal chemical refinery (p <0.01). These findings suggest that the coal chemical refining site requires more stringent work practice controls compare to petrochemical refining sites during TA processes. Personal protective equipments including organic respirators should be used by TA workers to protect them from benzene over-exposure.
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KEYWORD
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Benzene, Turnaround, Petrochemical refining method, coal chemical refining method, 8hr-TWA, STEL
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