Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of personal protective equipment in a population exposed to benzene considering absorption levels measured through trans-trans muconic acid. Methods: This is a randomized experimental trial. TTMA (trans-trans muconic acid) behavior was studied in urine samples of workers exposed to benzene. Fifty-eight gas station attendants who worked at the gas station in Porto Velho city were selected. In the first collection no participant used PPE (personal protective equipment). Then there was intervention. Thirty participants were randomized to use PPE for 2 consecutive days. On the second day, a new collection took place at the end of the 12-hour working day of all participants. TTMA concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography method. The data were analyzed by the SPSS 20.0 software, using the normality test, the t test for related samples, accepting as significant p <0.05. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: The study demonstrated a decrease in TTMA value in participants using PPE, with significant p (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in the group that did not use PPE (p = 0.869). Conclusion: Research has shown the importance of PPE for public and occupational health.
Key words: Benzene, Personal protective equipment, Occupational exposure