Resumen de Emisión de BTEX por las gasolineras, proximidad geográfica y síntomas neurológicos en residentes de Ensenada, Baja California, México.
M. García, E. Arellano, L. Walter, I. Espejel, M. Villada, P. Aceves, M. Quintero C. Von, C. Arredondo, R. Eaton
Human exposure to volatile organic compounds , such as benzene , toluene and xylene ( BTEX ) , has several short and long term health effects on men, women and children because hese compounds have the ability to interact with the genome and the epigenome during the process of cell division in somatic and germ cells. Emissions of BTEX by the presence of gas stations in the urban area, has been associated with increased risk to the health of the population. The objective of this study is to design early warning indicators of preventive , to identify the potential damage that represents the geographic proximity to point sources of hydrocarbon emissions for exposed individuals. The utility is that the bodies responsible for the regulation and environmental monitoring can rely on relatively simple to make and monitor indicators inexpensive . Neurological Symptoms Questionnaire and Psychological (PNF ) was used to assess the type and degree of neurologic involvement in a sample of 370 people in the city of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The data obtained are specialized in Geographic Information System . The results indicate a greater presence of BTEX in the areas closest to filling stations and people living near gas stations and the employees themselves have clinical , behavioral and psychophysiological alterations by exposure to BTEX is demonstrated. Indicators derived from the questionnaire showed its effectiveness in Ensenada and is proposed as a simple procedure to establish the technological vulnerable to risks within the urban area by presence of BTEX areas. These results were delivered to the involved local and state authorities in decision -making, since due to the lack of clear regulations to protect the inhabitants of the vicinity of gasoline service stations in Mexico , such methodologies can implement and incorporate disminir legislation for environmental , health and social impact in environmental and occupationally exposed population.
