Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: TATIANA DE MEDEIROS CARVALHO MENDES

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : TATIANA DE MEDEIROS CARVALHO MENDES
DATE: 18/12/2025
TIME: 14:30
LOCAL: virtual
TITLE:

 

WORK IN FILLING STATIONS: HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AND THE CHALLENGE OF SURVEILLANCE OF THE WORKERS’ HEALTH

KEY WORDS:

Work; Filling Station; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Surveillance of the Workers Health.

PAGES: 167
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Saúde Coletiva
SUBÁREA: Saúde Pública
SUMMARY:

 

Introduction: Work in filling stations exposes workers to multiple occupational hazards, particularly occupational exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), compounds associated with cancer development and other adverse health effects. Given this context, the present study is justified by the need to expand knowledge on the health implications of work in filling stations, integrate workers’ perspectives, and systematize surveillance experiences that can guide effective Occupational Health policies. Objective: To analyze the implications of occupational exposure on the health of filling station workers. Methodology: This quantitative and qualitative study was developed in five stages: 1) a Systematic Review Protocol and 2) a Systematic Review with meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, aimed at investigating the prevalence of symptoms associated with occupational exposure to BTEX among filling station workers. The latter is still in progress. 3) An exploratory and descriptive qualitative study aimed at understanding workers’ perceptions regarding risks, work-related illnesses, and prevention and Surveillance of the Workers’ Health, conducted via interviews followed by Bardin’s thematic analysis. 4) A Scoping Review Protocol and 5) a Scoping Review conducted to map studies related to the surveillance of occupational exposure to volatile organic compounds in filling stations, with the objective of identifying surveillance actions implemented by governmental bodies and public health services in different countries. This stage followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, and data were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and Bardin’s thematic analysis. As a technical product, an educational booklet will be developed for filling station workers, providing guidance on occupational exposure to BTEX and risk prevention. Partial Results: The qualitative stage showed that workers recognized the risk of benzene exposure but did not use adequate personal protective equipment; although they reported symptoms, they were unaware of their association with occupational exposure. The scoping review identified 190 publications from 22 countries, predominantly from Brazil, India, Thailand, and Italy. The substantial scientific output on the effects of this exposure confirms the relevance of the topic and widespread concern regarding its health impacts. However, the scarcity of studies addressing concrete surveillance actions—limited to Mexico and Brazil—revealed a gap between advances in scientific knowledge and its practical application in public policies and prevention programs. Partial Conclusions: The findings demonstrate workers’ lack of awareness regarding fundamental issues in Occupational Health and safety, reflecting insufficient educational initiatives, the invisibility of occupational diseases, and significant gaps in global surveillance of occupational exposure to BTEX in filling stations. These results underscore the need to strengthen a culture of more effective surveillance and prevention, as well as policies that prioritize the health and safety of workers in this sector.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 2626690 - JANETE LIMA DE CASTRO
Interna - 2568454 - ELISANGELA FRANCO DE OLIVEIRA CAVALCANTE
Externo à Instituição - JOSÉ AGENOR ÁLVARES DA SILVA - FIOCRUZ