Discrepancy between Occupational Exposure Levels and Health Risks Limits the Health Benefits of a Concentration-Oriented VOC Regulation Strategy

Abstract

Industrial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are strictly controlled worldwide. However, the gap between VOC regulation and health effects has increased owing to the complexity of characterizing deleterious species and understanding their hazards. By identifying the differences in exposure patterns among VOC-related industries, we examined occupational exposure profiles in 24 industries by analyzing 557 samples collected in breathing zones. The high-end exposure level was used to estimate aggregate health risk, and the cumulative risks for affected organs/tissues were then assessed individually by using the dose addition and response addition method. The results revealed an obvious discrepancy between the exposure level and health risk in complicated industrial settings. Low VOC exposure might significantly threaten health, whereas high exposure might have only a slight effect on health, suggesting a transition of the VOC regulation strategy from total concentration reduction to risk reduction. High-level exposure to acrolein, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,2-dibromoethane, formaldehyde, and methyl methacrylate poses the highest risk to the respiratory system. We further developed an understanding that total VOC concentration reductions do not bring an equal proportion of health benefits in most industries. These conclusions highlight the importance of considering both health and atmospheric chemistry in determining VOC limits and promoting industrial sustainability.