乾洗作業環境有機溶劑濃度分布特性調查

Distribution profile of organic solvents in dry cleaning workplaces

目標：我國乾洗作業場所主要使用石油系乾洗油作為乾洗溶劑，在作業過程中乾洗油溶劑會因相關作業逸散至作業環境中，作業人員會暴露於揮發性有機物污染中，本研究目的即是在瞭解使用石油系乾洗油之作業環境中有機溶劑污染空間分布之特性，藉以瞭解作業人員可能暴露之危害。方法：本研究選取四間使用使用石油系乾洗油之作業環境，進行有機污染空間濃度分布特性調查，針對作業環境中主要可能逸散之揮發性有機物正辛烷、正壬烷、苯與甲苯進行採樣分析。採樣規劃上，按前置作業區、清洗與溶劑脫除區、晾乾區、整燙區等4區作業區域進行採樣，並以勞動部建議之標準方法進行採樣。結果：本研究檢測之作業環境中，主要檢出之揮發性有機物為苯與正壬烷，甲苯僅在一處檢出，正辛烷則是均低於偵測極限。揮發性有機物濃度分布主要檢出在前置作業區前置作業區以及清洗與溶劑脫除區，清洗與溶劑脫除區檢出濃度高於前置作業區。苯濃度分布與風速呈顯著負相關；其與二氧化碳呈顯著正相關。結論： 乾洗作業場所環境中通風條件不佳，可能造成揮發性有機物污染累積，建議應加強通風，同時作業人員應確實配戴活性碳口罩以及手套，藉以減少暴露。另，乾洗作業場所多在住宅區內， 除應加強通風外，應有適當之處理單元，避免環境污染產生。（台灣衛誌 2022；41（2）：189-199）

Objectives: This study investigated the distribution characteristics of the Stoddard solvent used in dry cleaners to assess workers’ exposure to hazardous solvents. Methods: Four dry cleaners using the Stoddard solvent were selected as the sampling sites for air sample collection to measure the levels of volatile organic solvents, including n-octane, n-nonane, benzene, and toluene. Samples were collected from the preparation, cleaning and solvent removal, drying, and ironing areas and were handled in accordance with official Taiwanese guidelines. Results: Benzene and n-nonane were the main volatile organic compounds detected. Toluene was detected in one cleaning and solvent removal area, and n-octane was not detected. The target volatile organic compounds were detected mainly in the preparation area and cleaning and solvent removal area. Benzene concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with wind speeds and significantly positively correlated with carbon dioxide concentrations. Conclusions: Ventilation should be strengthened to reduce the accumulation of volatile organic compounds caused by poor ventilation in dry cleaning workplaces. Operators should wear activated carbon masks and gloves to reduce exposure to solvents. In addition, dry cleaners are located predominantly in residential areas, and appropriate processing units should be provided to avoid environmental pollution. (Taiwan J Public Health. 2022;41(2):189-199)