Exposición laboral a monóxido de carbono en la unidad municipal de tránsito; centro de revisión y control vehicular de la ciudad de Loja

Abstract

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas which is why it is known as the silent killer. The main sources that produce this pollution are means of transport that use gasoline or diesel and industrial processes. The day-to-day increase in the number of vehicles in our country increases the influx of vehicles to the vehicle inspection and control centers, causing exposure to carbon monoxide for those who work in these places; be much older. The objective of this work is to determine the level of carbon monoxide in the air and its association with the level of carboxyhemoglobin of the personnel working in the vehicle control and inspection center of the city of Loja. For which the different jobs will be identified and the processes carried out in each of them will be checked in order to determine the exposure to said pollutant. Carbon monoxide concentrations will be measured in the different jobs through direct monitoring of this gas. In order to obtain information to quantify the levels of carbon monoxide to which they are exposed and to be able to establish if there is an abnormal exposure of this gas or if the exposure is within the allowed values. In addition, the carboxyhemoglobin levels of the personnel exposed to limits higher than those allowed will be quantified to determine if there is overexposure or intoxication that may be detrimental to the health of the workers. Obtained the values of carbon monoxide and the level of carboxyhemoglobin; Using Pearson's statistical correlation method, a cross relationship will be made between these data, to determine whether or not there is a statistical relationship between both values. Carbon monoxide levels above the maximum allowed limit are expected, as well as carboxyhemoglobin levels above the maximum allowed limit in blood. Finally, find a statistical relationship between people exposed to carbon monoxide and carboxyhemoglobin levels.