Measurements of mineral oil mist, hydrocarbon vapor, and noise in engine rooms of ships.

The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of oil mist and hydrocarbon vapor to which marine engineers are currently exposed. Measurements were also taken of the sound level in the engine room and the control rooms. Area mist concentration measurements were performed in 21 ferries, 2 cargo ships, and 1 westamaran (an express ship with two keels). Measurements were also performed for four different tasks where exposures above area level were expected. The area level of oil mist in the engine rooms of the different ships varied from not detectable to 0.53 mg/m3 (mean 0.24 mg/m3). The levels of hydrocarbons in the different ships varied from 0.2 to 14.5 mg/m3. The sound level varied from 96 to 108 dB(A) in the engine rooms, and from 70 to 90 dB(A) in the control room. When compared to other studies, it is supposed that the exposure to noise and mineral oil mist in the engine rooms of ships may represent a risk of adverse health effects for workers on Norwegian ships. The sound level may cause neurogenic hearing loss when appropriate hearing protection is not used.