Health Risk Assessment of Chemicals Using a Semi-Quantitative Risk Method in a Pharmaceutical Factory in Guilan City
Abstract
Background: Pharmaceutical industries are of great importance as part of organic chemical production in the world; however, due to the repeated exposure to chemicals, workers in these settings may suffer from frequent and various health problems, including allergies, anaphylaxis and asthma. Accordingly, this study aimed at assessing the concentration and health risk of chemicals using a semi-quantitative risk method in a pharmaceutical company.
Methods: In this study, a semi-quantitative, descriptive-analytical field assessment method was used, based on the risk assessment model developed by the Singapore Department of Occupational Health. This method first identifies the health hazards of chemicals, then calculates the risk by measuring the level of exposure, and finally recommends and prioritizes control measures to reduce the risks.
Results: The results showed that 80 percent of the chemicals identified in the factory were at levels two and three (low, medium), whereas the remaining 20 percent were at level four (high). In the laboratory unit, phenol had the lowest risk (2.43) while sulfuric acid had the highest risk (3.5). In the factory production line, methanol had the lowest risk (2.59), whereas hexanol had a medium risk (3.03). In the foil printing unit, benzene had the highest risk (3.6), while xylene had the lowest risk (2.7).
Conclusion: It is recommended that special attention be paid to the foil printing unit of this factory so that, if possible, simultaneous exposure of personnel to benzene, toluene, and xylene is avoided, and engineering-management control methods are also implemented, including increasing the number of workers, and reducing exposure hours.
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| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 17 No 4 (2025) | |
| Section | Original Article(s) | |
| Published | 2026-09-13 | |
| Keywords | ||
| Risk assessment Pharmacies Laboratory chemicals BTX | ||
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