Toxicological exposure in mechanical offices: a cross sectional study

Occupational exposures to toxic substances constitute a relevant public health problem today. The objective of this study was to investigate the occupational exposure of mechanic workshop workers in Northeastern Brazil, particularly those related to chemical substances. An exploratory cross - sectional study with a quantitative approach was carried out. A semi-structured instrument was applied to 40 mechanic workshop workers. It was observed that the main chemical agents that the workers were exposed were: diesel oil and greases (42.5%), gasoline (20%), plastic mass (14%) and thinner (13%). The main symptoms of occupational exposure were: headache (42.5%) and burning eyes / nose (27.5%). It has been shown that headache and nausea due to exposure to gasoline vapors are the main symptoms of intoxication. As for personal protective equipment (PPE), only 25% used it. Thus, it is necessary to carry out health education campaigns with the purpose of stimulating the use of personal protective equipment in order to reduce exposure to solvents and chemical agents, thus avoiding occupational diseases.