EXPOSURE OF THE DECK CREW TO CARCINOGENIC AGENTS ON OIL PRODUCT TANKERS

Work on deck on eight oil product tankers was examined. The purpose wa s to evaluate the need for improvement of the working environment to r educe the risk of occupational cancer. Benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarb ons (PAHs) and organic lead compounds were sampled, and the crew answe red a questionnaire on acute health effects. By area monitoring, benze ne was generally found to be in the range from the detection limit, of 0.01 ppm, up to 1.15 ppm, but one tanker which loaded gasoline with t he hatches open had levels up to 55 ppm. Personal monitoring showed ex posure levels in the range 0.01-1.15 ppm. The PAH levels and the level s of organic lead were low. No seamen were observed using respiratory protective equipment. Central nervous system symptoms were reported by the crew with the highest exposures to benzene although benzene may n ot be the only cause. The exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons o n the deck of oil product tankers ought to be reduced.