Evaluation of solvents and noise in the labor atmosphere of the footwear production

Introduction
The emissions of solvents and noise are polluting in labor atmospheres of industrial type of the sector footwear production in Mexico. The auditory health is decreased at noise levels ≥80 dB. The solvents affect the CNS, cause headaches, sickness, nauseous and imbalance when walking. Objective: Exhibition to noise and solvents was evaluated in workers of three factories of footwear and results are compared with a group in offices. 

Methods
NOM-011-STPS-2001 was applied analyzing solvents emissions (benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTEX) and hexane) and noise. The secondary annoyances were analyzed by means of a survey (n=250), audiometry’s (n=100), and the environmental exhibition. The selection of sample was by availability.

Results
The noise in the factories resulted ≥80 dB (55-93dB). The audiometry’s reflected 44% of the population with auditory damage. Benzene and Toluene exceed the MLA. The exhibition risk was high according to NOM, exceeding from 3 to 12 times the MLA. 40% of workers indicate headache, nauseous and sickness every day. In the atmosphere the solvents vary with the adhesive in use, line of work and ventilation of the site. The cut, backstitch, join and adornment represent the points of solvents emission.

Discussion
The noise and solvents exposure are polluting in atmospheres of footwear factories. Manifest effects of auditory damage by noise exist, as well as effects by indirect inhalation to solvents like benzene; toluene and hexane are frequent in these atmospheres. The labor education must be exerted with the workers to reduce risks and to awareness them of its importance.