Abstract

Background and aims: Dermal exposure is one of the prominent exposure routes in automotive repair workers. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can lead to adverse effects like cancers. Accordingly, it is necessary to evaluate these exposures. Methods: In this study, application of DREAM method in three automotive repair jobs were investigated. Dermal exposure through deposition, emission and transmission routes in all parts of human body were calculated. Results for potential and actual exposure were evaluated in terms of jobs and being in different exposure groups. Results: The highest emission exposure (μ= 31.97, SD= 27.28) and transition (μ= 8.79, SD= 6.3) was observed in the gearbox workers. Deposition was only observed in electricians (μ=0.54, SD= 0.94). Gearbox workers had highest potential and actual exposure via transmission route. Actual and potential exposure were at the highest amount in hand region. However, electricians had the highest degree of exposure in rest of body. Emission exposure was the main route of exposure in all groups. Conclusion: DREAM can be used to evaluate dermal exposure causes and also to assess the effectiveness of protective equipment used. It also can identify areas that need improvement in protection. In this study there was no difference in actual and potential dermal exposures. It means that factors such as bad housekeeping and inappropriate use of protective equipments are the main causes and should be corrected. © 2015, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. All rights reserved.