Risk assessment of local effects for Printing machine operators of a selected industry by RISKOFDERM method

Background and objectives: Risk assessment is an appropriate solution to determine the risk of local effects in dermal exposure. Dermal exposure to organic solvents such as aromatics compounds in thinner solvent is a health problem in the printing industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of local exposure in dermal exposure with paint thinner for printing industry operators. Materials and Methods: In this study local toxicity risk for dermal exposure to thinners was evaluated based on the European Union guideline of RISKOFDERM. All of printing operators of an offset printing industry was studied. Intrinsic toxicity was evaluated by risk phrases and toxicity information. Intake dose was determined according to contact surface and activity duration. Local risk was assessed by intake dose and intrinsic toxicity between ۱ to ۱۰ levels. Ethical issues such as confidentiality of information were all considered in all stages of research. Results: According to the risk phrases, thinner intrinsic toxicity was determined middle in local effect. Hand exposure rate was assessed high level and duration of activity with thinner was ۱-۰.۴ hours per day. Local risk level was assessed by the score of ۶ for ۷۵% of studied people. Conclusion: In order to high dermal exposure with thinner decrease of occupational exposure has noticeable effect on the dermal risk level. The use of gloves for printing operators was suggested.