Effect of exposure to low concentration of benzene, toluene and xylene on the health of workers

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In this study, the authors investigated the harm caused to workers health by exposure to low concentrations of benzene, toluene and xylene. The authors measured the concentrations of benzene, toluene and xylene in the factory. The benzene exposure group included 439 workers exposed to benzene, toluene and xylene, and the control group included 338 workers who had not been exposed to benzene. Two groups received the occupational health examination, and the results were investigated by a comparative analysis. The 8hour time weighted average concentration (C-TWA) and short time exposure limit concentration (C-STEL) of benzene, toluene and xylene in all monitoring points of factory were lower than the national standards. The detection rate of leucopenia in the benzene exposure group and the control group was 14.58% and 8.88% respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. The detection rate of lower Hb level in the benzene exposure group and the control group was 19.59% and 8.28% respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. The detection rate of leucopenia of female workers and male workers in the benzene exposure group was 18.07% and 10.53% respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. The detection rate of lower Hb level of female workers and male workers in the benzene exposure group was 32.53% and 2.63% respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. The abnormal rate of serum ALT of male workers and female workers in the benzene exposure group was 7.89% and 0.80% respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. In the benzene exposure group, the detection rate of leucopenia and lower Hb level had a linear relationship with working years. The authors concluded that the long-term exposure to low concentrations of benzene, toluene and xylene may harm workers’ health, so it is necessary to strengthen the protection measures and health surveillance.

Authors: Yang, Yungui; Wang, Zhi-sen ;Full Source: Zhiye Yu Jiankang 2012, 28(22), 2739-2741 (Chinese) ;