Abstract
International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognized that chronic exposure to very low concentration of benzene vapor in air of the order of a few parts per million may cause cancer.
It is necessary to protect the health of sailors exposed to benzene vapor to the same level as that of shorebased workers performing compatible tasks.
Measurements of onboard environment benzene vapor concentration for tankers carrying benzene during loading, transit, unloading and tank cleaning operations of routine tanker operation were made during all seasons of the year for typical size of 500 tons and 1000 tons cargoes.
The vapor samples were collected from 11 tankers in 3 points on the ship to the canister and were subsequently analized by gas chromatography. The benzene vapor concentrations were varied with operations and onboard points.
The risk of health of sailors exposed to benzene vapor is assessed using time and area averaged concentration. Effectiveness of wearing respiratory equipment for reducing health risk of sailors due to benzene exposure during marine vessel transfer operations is suggested.
