Aims: Ammonia, chloroform, and diethyl ether are the three most commonly used solvents in sample preparation and extraction processes in forensic laboratories (especially forensic toxicology laboratory). The staffs of these labs are notably exposure to these solvents. Exposure to these solvents can have deleterious effects, such as hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational exposure of Bushehr forensic laboratories staff to these solvents.
Materials & Methods: This experimental research was performed in a cross-sectional study in 2017. Sampling was conducted individually for two consecutive weeks using individual sampling pump and adsorbent tubes. Analysis the amount of chloroform and diethyl ether was conducted using gas Chromatography with flame-ionization detector, and analysis the amount of ammonia was conducted using Spectrophotometer at 660 nm. Weight-time averages of exposure were also calculated using the relevant formulas.
Findings: Weight-time averages of exposure to chloroform, diethyl ether and ammonia in the extraction section of the laboratory on days without sample extraction were 0.021, 0.0017 and 0.17ppm, respectively and on the days with sample extraction were 7.02 32.25 and 3.63ppm, respectively. There was a significant difference between the amount of staff exposure on the days of extraction and days without extraction (p<0.05). The weight-time average of exposure for all solvents (except chloroform) was less than their allowed limitation by the country.
Conclusion: However, exposure levels of staffs of forensic medical laboratories in Bushehr is lower than the allowed limitation by the country, but in some cases (especially chloroform), these exposures are at the warning range.