Eff ects of Exposure to Low Concentration of Terephthalic Acid, Ethylene Glycal and Dowtherm A on Health of the Exposed Workers

To study the effect of ex posure to low concent ration of terephthalic acid ( TPA), ethylene glycal ( EG) and dowtherm A( DOW) on health of the exposed workers, an occupational ep-idemiolo gicalinv estigation on 1230 ex posed workers and 177 controls in achemical fibr ecorpor ation was carried out. The results showed that the activity of ser um ALT, GGT, ALP and the ur-inary excretion of β₂- 2-microglobulim (β₂-MG) were significanlty higher in the exposed group than those in the controls( P<0.05 or P<0.01). The positiver ates of urinary protein and red blood cells in the exposed workers were higher too ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). It is suggested that the renal function and liver function should be impaired in TPA, EG, DOW chronically-exposed workers and that the combined effect of TPA, EG and DOW on the workers?? health should be probably considered. The comprehensive evaluation results comfirmed that the occupational hazard in this company showed atendency to improve.