Toxicological Study on the Health Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Benzene in Benzene Filling Workers, Qassim Region, KSA
June 2016
in “
The Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences and Applied Toxicology
”
TLDR Long-term exposure to benzene increases skin diseases, blood disorders, and liver problems.
The study conducted 7 years ago examined the health effects of long-term exposure to benzene in 72 male benzene filling workers in the Qassim region, KSA. The participants were divided into two groups: 47 benzene filling workers (Group I) and 25 overseers (Group II). The study found that allergic (34.04%) and fungal (19.15%) diseases were the most common problems in Group I, with a high benzene level of 227.83 ± 10.32 ng/l compared to Group II's 163.04 ± 26.48 ng/l. White blood cell counts, neutrophil count, monocyte count, lymphocyte count, eosinophil count, and basophil count were significantly higher in Group I compared to Group II. No significant differences were noticed in hemoglobin, red blood cells, and platelets between the two groups. The mean value of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) in Group I was significantly increased compared to Group II. No significant differences were found in urea and creatinine levels between the two groups. The study concluded that long-term benzene exposure causes dermatotoxic effects, increasing the incidence of skin diseases, and may cause blood disorders and liver involvement.