Marilyn M. Gardner, PhD, Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, STH 410E, Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270.745.5864, marilyn.gardner@wku.edu and glenn Talaska, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Department of Environmental Health, 3223 Eden, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056.

Used gasoline engine oil (UGEO) contains carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds, a known mouse skin carcinogen, in proportion to the number of miles driven between oil changes. Dermal absorption of PAH in UGEO is favored by chemical and physical properties and by patterns of exposure. In the US, there are approximately 900,000 mechanics whose jobs invariably involve dermal contamination with UGEO on a regular basis. That the dermal route predominates is important: There are documented means of preventing or reducing dermal uptake through personal protective behaviors (PPBs) such as frequent hand washing, use of creams and wearing gloves. A major impediment to preventing or reducing dermal exposures to UGEO through PPBs is the belief system of these mechanics.

A survey was designed using constructs from the Health Belief Model (HBM) to assess: 1) Perceived threat – belief that UGEO exposure contributes to acute and chronic health problems and the perceived severity of these problems; 2) Benefits -- efficacy of PPBs on reducing risk; 3) Barriers –degree to which PPBs impair job performance; and, 4) Cues to Action -- Likelihood of engaging in PPBs if recommended and Sources of health information viewed as credible and trustworthy. This self-reported written survey was administered to a convenience sample of 112 mechanics in South Central Kentucky. Findings are discussed along with implications for intervention designs to increase use of PPBs and to, ultimately, reduce risk of exposure in this vulnerable population.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to analyze the relationship between perceptions of risk and intent to reduce dermal exposure.
• At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to plan theory-based strategies to reduce dermal exposure to UGEO.
• At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to state the sources of credible health information identified by automechanics and the potential of these sources for effecting positive behavioral change.

Keywords: Occupational Exposure, Behavior Based Safety

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.