Gynecology | Obstetrics | Reproductive Health & Medicine | PCOS

The airport industry is developing at an expeditious rate and plays a significant role in boosting a country’s economy. Although airports create employment opportunities; they are also known as pollution hotspots. Pollutants released from airports (amongst other pollutants); include a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a highly reactive and toxic; namely the BTEX group (i.e. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes). Due to the high level of toxicity, an occupational health risk assessment was conducted at an international airport in South Africa to determine ambient BTEX concentrations and the potential health risks of employees. The sampling campaign was conducted during the winter season, as studies have shown a prevalence of BTEX concentrations during this season in South Africa. The campaign adopted the use of Radiello Passive Samplers, with a sample group from ten different departments within the airport. Indoor concentrations of individual BTEX compounds were above international air quality guidelines, indicating an occupational risk. Furthermore, high levels of BTEX concentrations were revealed in specific departments outside the

main airport wing (viz. the paint shop, aircraft main apron, and waste area). In general, the lifetime cancer risk (based on the US EPA standard of 1×10−6) was exceeded for all fulltime airport employees. In addition, the hazard quotient risk was also exceeded in specific departments within the airport. Thus, the research recommends essential modifications within the airport departments be made to reduce future potential occupational health risks for employees.