TOXICOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO BENZENE IN BENZENE FILLING WORKERS, QASSIM REGION, KSA

Abstract

Background: Benzene is the smallest and most stable aromatic hydrocarbon, used as an excellent solvent in various industries. Occupational exposure to benzene has been associated with various adverse health effects in humans. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the dermatoxic, hematotoxic, hepatoxic and nephrotoxic effects related to long term exposure to benzene in benzene filling workers. Materials and methods: 72 male patients attended at the dermatological clinic, Buraydah central hospital, Qassim region, KSA, seeking medical treatment, over one year (Jumada I 1433 – Jumada I 1434), were included in this study after an informed written consent. They were divided into two groups (GI & GII): 47 patients who are benzene filling workers in fueling station (GI) and 25 patients who already work in stations as overseers (GII). Full dermatological examination was done for all participants. Blood benzene level was determined by GC mass spectrometry method. Complete blood count (CBC), liver function and kidney function tests were examined. Results: Allergic ((34.04%) and fungal (19.15%) diseases were the most common diagnosed problems in GI with high benzene level (227.83 ± 10.32 ng/l) in comparison to GII (163.04 ± 26.48 ng/l). WBCs count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, lymphocyte count, eosinophil count and basophil count were significantly higher in GI in comparison to GII, (p 0.05). The mean value of (ALT) (65.12 ± 14.3) and (AST) (63.25 ± 15.1) in GI was significantly increased (p=0.046 and p=0.035 respectively) than the corresponding values in GII (41.40 ± 13.11 and 40.23 ± 16.5 respectively). No significant differences were obtained in urea and creatinine levels between the two groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that long term benzene exposure causes dermatotoxic effects that enhance incidence of skin diseases. Blood disorder and liver involvement in these workers are possible and full attention should be given in medical surveillance of benzene workers.