engleski

Possible genotoxicity in low level benzene exposure

The genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to organic solvents were studied by examining the incidence of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) among shoe making workers. Urinary phenol (108952) levels, blood levels of benzene (71432) and toluene (108883), chromosomal aberrations, and sister chromatid exchanges were assessed in female employees of a shoe factory in Croatia in 1987 when the workers had intensive work schedules and again in 1992 when their work schedule had lessened. Although benzene levels were significantly higher in the first study period than in the second, the levels did not exceed the current Croatian permissible concentration limit. Toluene levels exceeded permissible values in several locations during the 1987 study period, although the mean toluene concentration levels were higher in 1992. Significant differences were seen at both time points between prior and post work shift urinary phenol and blood benzene and toluene levels. Exposed workers at both study times also demonstrated significant increases in dicentric chromosomes compared with an unexposed referent group. Significant increases in SCEs were seen in the values obtained from exposed workers during the first study period compared with those seen during the second study period or referent values. SCEs and the presence of acentric chromosomes were found to correlate with age. Examination of the results obtained from 11 workers who were studied at both times demonstrated greater benzene absorption and significantly increased sister chromatid exchange frequencies in 1987 compared with those seen 1992. The authors conclude that exposure to low levels of benzene appears to induce genotoxic effects.

DCN-224985 ; Genotoxic effects ; Chromosome damage ; Organic solvents

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