A study of the hematologic effects of chronic low-level exposure to benzene

J Occup Med. 1991 May;33(5):619-26.

Abstract

A study of 200 persons working with benzene showed no differences in commonly measured hematologic outcomes when compared with 268 nonbenzene workers in the same plant. Exposures ranged from 0.01 ppm to a high of 1.40 ppm 8-hour time weighted average over a 10-year period. Several other factors (age, sex, race, and smoking), however, were associated with these outcomes, indicating the importance of considering confounding factors when comparing hematology results. Exposure to low levels of benzene does not appear to produce an increased level of abnormal hematology measures detectable in routine medical surveillance.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Benzene / pharmacology*
  • Blood Cell Count / drug effects*
  • Chemical Industry*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Erythrocyte Indices / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Racial Groups
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Benzene