Benzene exposure monitoring of Tunisian workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2002 Dec;44(12):1173-8. doi: 10.1097/00043764-200212000-00012.

Abstract

To monitor benzene exposure and to check reliability of urinary trans,trans-Muconic Acid (t,t-MA) as a bio-marker of benzene exposure in local conditions, a study was conducted on 30 Tunisian exposed workers (20 tanker fillers and 10 filling station attendants). The analyses were carried out on environmental air and urinary t,t-MA before (t,t-MAA) and at the end of work shift (t,t-MAB). 20 nonoccupationally exposed subjects were also investigated. The average value of environmental benzene concentration was 0.17 ppm. The differences between t,t-MAA and t,t-MAB concentrations and between t,t-MAB and t,t-MA measured in controls (t,t-MAC) were both significant (p < 0.001). Benzene air concentrations were well correlated with t,t-MAB: R = 0.76. In the nonexposed group, average t,t-MA concentrations is significantly higher among smokers than nonsmokers (P < 0.02). Analysis of urinary t,t-MA offers a relatively simple and suitable method for benzene exposure monitoring.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / analysis*
  • Benzene / analysis*
  • Benzene / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / urine*
  • Chemical Industry
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Petroleum
  • Sorbic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sorbic Acid / analysis
  • Tunisia

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Biomarkers
  • Petroleum
  • muconic acid
  • Benzene
  • Sorbic Acid