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Jung K, Khan A, Mocharnuk R, Olivo-Marston S, McDaniel JT. Clinical encounter with three cancer patients affected by groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune: a case series and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2022; 16:272. [PMID: 35818079 PMCID: PMC9275133 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advanced understanding of tumor biology has recently revealed the complexity of cancer genetics, intra/inter-tumor heterogeneity, and diverse mechanisms of resistance to cancer treatment. In turn, there has been a growing interest in cancer prevention and minimizing exposure to potential environmental carcinogens that surround us. In the 1980s, several chemical carcinogens, including perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and benzene, were detected in water systems supplying Camp Lejeune, a US Marine Corps Base Camp located in North Carolina. Case presentation This article presents three cases of cancer patients who have lived at Camp Lejeune, and, decades later, came to our clinic located 1000 miles from the original exposure site. The first patient is a young Caucasian man who was diagnosed with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 37, and the second patient is a Caucasian man who had multiple types of cancer in the prostate, lung, and colon as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia in his 60s and 70s. The third patient is another Caucasian man who had recurrent skin cancers of different histology, namely basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma, from his 50s to 70s. Conclusions The US Congress passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act in 2012, which covers appropriate medical care for the people affected by the contamination. We hope that this article raises awareness about the history of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination among cancer care providers, so the affected patients can receive appropriate medical coverage and cancer screening across the country. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13256-022-03501-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsuk Jung
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, 315 W Carpenter St Clinic B, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA.
| | - Aziz Khan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, 315 W Carpenter St Clinic B, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Robert Mocharnuk
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, 315 W Carpenter St Clinic B, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Susan Olivo-Marston
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Justin T McDaniel
- School of Human Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
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Li J, Zhao Y, Cheng X, Han L, Wang X, Jia Q, Gao S, Xu P, Wang Z, Li J, Fang X, Chen J, Zhu B, Zhang M, Xing C. Industry Distribution Characteristics of Benzene-Induced Leukemia - 7 PLADs, China, 2005-2019. China CDC Wkly 2022; 4:358-363. [PMID: 35547637 PMCID: PMC9081900 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2022.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
What is already known about this topic? In the 1980s. benzene-induced leukemia (BIL) mainly occurred in shoemaking and painting industries. Now the industry distribution of benzene-induced leukemia may have changed over time. What is added by this report? BlL cases mainly occurred in the manufacturing industry from 2005-2019, especially in private enterprises and small/medium-sized enterprises. The industry with the largest number of new cases of BIL was the general and special equipment manufacturing. The number of leukemia cases in emerging industries such as computer/electronic product manufacturing was found to be increasing. What are the implications for public health practice? Strengthening supervision and regulation of manufacturing, especially of small/medium-sized enterprises and emerging manufacturing industry, may be effective in reducing BIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiurong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Han
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Jia
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shang Gao
- Occupational and Radiation Health Institute, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peiyu Xu
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zihuan Wang
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Fujian Center for Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases and Chemical Poisoning,Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xinglin Fang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meibian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Caihong Xing
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China,Caihong Xing,
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Zhou J, Han L, Zhao J, Cheng X, Hou F, Jia Q, Zhang J, Xu P, Liu J, Wang Z, Zhu B, Xing C. Characteristics in the Distribution of Chronic Benzene Poisoning Associated Industries - 6 PLADs, China, 2005-2019. China CDC Wkly 2020; 2:891-896. [PMID: 34594794 PMCID: PMC8393150 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2020.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
What is already known on this topic? Starting in the early 1950s, the main industries in China associated with chronic benzene poisoning (CBP) included painting, pharmaceuticals, and shoemaking. However, because of rapid socioeconomic development, the distribution of industries associated with CBP likely changed. What is added by this report? From 2005 to 2019, CBP has become an increasingly important type of chronic occupational poisoning (COP) in China. CBP was mainly found to have occurred in manufacturing industries, especially private enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises. The sub-industry with the highest proportion of CBP cases was general and special equipment manufacturing, followed by chemical raw materials and chemical manufacturing. What are the implications for public health practice? CBP was found to be the main component of COP in China, so the supervision and management in manufacturing, especially in the medium-sized and small enterprises, need to be strengthened. Occupational benzene exposure limits should also be adjusted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Han
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiurong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Fenxia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Jia
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peiyu Xu
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Zihuan Wang
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Caihong Xing
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Getu S, Shiferaw E, Melku M. Assessment of hematological parameters of petrol filling workers at petrol stations in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study. Environ Health Prev Med 2020; 25:44. [PMID: 32861244 PMCID: PMC7456503 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00886-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Petrol is the non-specific term for petroleum which is used for inside combustion of engines. Petrol filling workers are highly vulnerable to occupational exposure to these harmful substances which lead to hemato-toxicity and blood disorders such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, and dysplastic bone marrow. Thus, this study was aimed to assess hematological parameters of petrol filling workers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2019 in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 110 study participants comprising 55 study groups and 55 controls group were recruited by a convenient sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and 3 ml of venous blood was collected for the determination of hematological parameters. The data were entered into Epi info 7.2.0.1 and analyzed by SPSS version of 20. Mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile ranges were used to present the data. Independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the mean or median difference between parametric and non-parametric hematological parameters, respectively. Moreover, Pearson product-moment and Spearman’s rank-order bivariable correlations analyses were used to describe the correlation between hematological parameters and duration of exposure to petrol. A P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study revealed that mean red blood cell count and hemoglobin level as well as the median hematocrit, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, absolute lymphocytes count, and red cell distribution width values of petrol filling workers showed a significant increment compared with the control group. On the other hand, the mean cell hemoglobin value of petrol filling workers showed a significant decrement compared with healthy controls. Moreover, the duration of exposure to petrol showed a significant positive correlation with red blood cell count and mean cell hemoglobin concentration; however, a significant negative correlation was observed with mean cell volume. Conclusion This study showed that the majority of hematological parameters of petrol filling workers showed an increment compared with healthy controls which might be associated with exposure to petrol chemicals. However, further longitudinal study with a larger sample size should be conducted to explore the impact of petrol exposure on hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisay Getu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia. .,Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Elias Shiferaw
- Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Melku
- Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Friesen MC, Bassig BA, Vermeulen R, Shu XO, Purdue MP, Stewart PA, Xiang YB, Chow WH, Ji BT, Yang G, Linet MS, Hu W, Gao YT, Zheng W, Rothman N, Lan Q. Evaluating Exposure-Response Associations for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma with Varying Methods of Assigning Cumulative Benzene Exposure in the Shanghai Women's Health Study. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 61:56-66. [PMID: 28395314 PMCID: PMC6363053 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxw009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To provide insight into the contributions of exposure measurements to job exposure matrices (JEMs), we examined the robustness of an association between occupational benzene exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) to varying exposure assessment methods. Methods NHL risk was examined in a prospective population-based cohort of 73087 women in Shanghai. A mixed-effects model that combined a benzene JEM with >60000 short-term, area benzene inspection measurements was used to derive two sets of measurement-based benzene estimates: 'job/industry-specific' estimates (our presumed best approach) were derived from the model's fixed effects (year, JEM intensity rating) and random effects (occupation, industry); 'calibrated JEM' estimates were derived using only the fixed effects. 'Uncalibrated JEM' (using the ordinal JEM ratings) and exposure duration estimates were also calculated. Cumulative exposure for each subject was calculated for each approach based on varying exposure definitions defined using the JEM's probability ratings. We examined the agreement between the cumulative metrics and evaluated changes in the benzene-NHL associations. Results For our primary exposure definition, the job/industry-specific estimates were moderately to highly correlated with all other approaches (Pearson correlation 0.61-0.89; Spearman correlation > 0.99). All these metrics resulted in statistically significant exposure-response associations for NHL, with negligible gain in model fit from using measurement-based estimates. Using more sensitive or specific exposure definitions resulted in elevated but non-significant associations. Conclusions The robust associations observed here with varying benzene assessment methods provide support for a benzene-NHL association. While incorporating exposure measurements did not improve model fit, the measurements allowed us to derive quantitative exposure-response curves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Friesen
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 6E634, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Bryan A Bassig
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 6E634, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, Utrecht 3508 TD, The Netherlands
| | - Xiao-Ou Shu
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Mark P Purdue
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 6E634, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Patricia A Stewart
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 6E634, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
- Stewart Exposure Assessments, LLC, 6045 N 27th St, Arlington, VA 22207, USA
| | - Yong-Bing Xiang
- Department of Epidemiology, Shanghai Cancer Institute, 2200 Xietu Road, Xuhui, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wong-Ho Chow
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bu-Tian Ji
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 6E634, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Gong Yang
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Martha S Linet
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Wei Hu
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 6E634, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yu-Tang Gao
- Department of Epidemiology, Shanghai Cancer Institute, 2200 Xietu Road, Xuhui, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 6E634, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Qing Lan
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 6E634, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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Edokpolo B, Yu QJ, Connell D. Health risk characterization for exposure to benzene in service stations and petroleum refineries environments using human adverse response data. Toxicol Rep 2015; 2:917-927. [PMID: 28962430 PMCID: PMC5598410 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Health risk characterization of exposure to benzene in service stations and petroleum refineries has been carried out in previous studies using guideline values set by various agencies. In this work, health risk was characterized with the exposure data as cumulative probability distribution (CPD) plots but using human epidemiological data. This was achieved by using lowest observable adverse effects levels (LOAEL) data plotted as cumulative probability lowest effects distribution (CPLED). The health risk due to benzene was characterized by using probabilistic methods of hazard quotient (HQ50/50 and HQ95/5), Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS) and overall risk probability (ORP). CPD relationships of adverse health effects relationships and exposure data were in terms of average daily dose (ADD) and lifetime average daily dose (LADD) for benzene. For service station environments HQ50/50 and HQ95/5 were in a range of 0.000071-0.055 and 0.0049-21, respectively. On the other hand, the risk estimated for petroleum refinery environments suggests higher risk with HQ50/50 and HQ95/5 values ranging from 0.0012 to 77 and 0.17 to 560, respectively. The results of Monte-Carlo risk probability (MRP) and ORP indicated that workers in petroleum refineries (MRP of 2.9-56% and ORP of 4.6-52% of the affected population) were at a higher risk of adverse health effects from exposure to benzene as compared to exposure to benzene in service station environments (MRP of 0.051 -3.4% and ORP of 0.35-2.7% affected population). The adverse effect risk probabilities estimated by using the Monte-Carlo simulation technique and the ORP method were found to be generally consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Edokpolo
- Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane 4111, QLD, Australia
| | - Qiming Jimmy Yu
- Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane 4111, QLD, Australia
| | - Des Connell
- Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane 4111, QLD, Australia
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Arnold SM, Angerer J, Boogaard PJ, Hughes MF, O'Lone RB, Robison SH, Schnatter AR. The use of biomonitoring data in exposure and human health risk assessment: benzene case study. Crit Rev Toxicol 2013; 43:119-53. [PMID: 23346981 PMCID: PMC3585443 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2012.756455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract A framework of "Common Criteria" (i.e. a series of questions) has been developed to inform the use and evaluation of biomonitoring data in the context of human exposure and risk assessment. The data-rich chemical benzene was selected for use in a case study to assess whether refinement of the Common Criteria framework was necessary, and to gain additional perspective on approaches for integrating biomonitoring data into a risk-based context. The available data for benzene satisfied most of the Common Criteria and allowed for a risk-based evaluation of the benzene biomonitoring data. In general, biomarker (blood benzene, urinary benzene and urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid) central tendency (i.e. mean, median and geometric mean) concentrations for non-smokers are at or below the predicted blood or urine concentrations that would correspond to exposure at the US Environmental Protection Agency reference concentration (30 µg/m(3)), but greater than blood or urine concentrations relating to the air concentration at the 1 × 10(-5) excess cancer risk (2.9 µg/m(3)). Smokers clearly have higher levels of benzene exposure, and biomarker levels of benzene for non-smokers are generally consistent with ambient air monitoring results. While some biomarkers of benzene are specific indicators of exposure, the interpretation of benzene biomonitoring levels in a health-risk context are complicated by issues associated with short half-lives and gaps in knowledge regarding the relationship between the biomarkers and subsequent toxic effects.
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Marchetti F, Eskenazi B, Weldon RH, Li G, Zhang L, Rappaport SM, Schmid TE, Xing C, Kurtovich E, Wyrobek AJ. Occupational exposure to benzene and chromosomal structural aberrations in the sperm of Chinese men. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:229-34. [PMID: 22086566 PMCID: PMC3279447 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzene is an industrial chemical that causes blood disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. We previously reported that occupational exposures near the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit (8 hr) of 1 ppm was associated with sperm aneuploidy. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether occupational exposures near 1 ppm increase the incidence of sperm carrying structural chromosomal aberrations. METHODS We applied a sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization assay to measure frequencies of sperm carrying partial chromosomal duplications or deletions of 1cen or 1p36.3 or breaks within 1cen-1q12 among 30 benzene-exposed and 11 unexposed workers in Tianjin, China, as part of the China Benzene and Sperm Study (C-BASS). Exposed workers were categorized into low-, moderate-, and high-exposure groups based on urinary benzene (medians: 2.9, 11.0, and 110.6 µg/L, respectively). Median air benzene concentrations in the three exposure groups were 1.2, 3.7, and 8.4 ppm, respectively. RESULTS Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all structural aberrations combined were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.83), 1.44 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.85), and 1.75 (95% CI: 1.36, 2.24) and for deletion of 1p36.3 alone were 4.31 (95% CI: 1.18, 15.78), 6.02 (95% CI: 1.69, 21.39), and 7.88 (95% CI: 2.21, 28.05) for men with low, moderate, and high exposure, respectively, compared with unexposed men. Chromosome breaks were significantly increased in the high-exposure group [IRR 1.49 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.02)]. CONCLUSIONS Occupational exposures to benzene were associated with increased incidence of chromosomally defective sperm, raising concerns for worker infertility and spontaneous abortions as well as mental retardation and inherited defects in their children. Our sperm findings point to benzene as a possible risk factor for de novo 1p36 deletion syndrome. Because chromosomal aberrations in sperm can arise from defective stem cells/spermatogonia, our findings raise concerns that occupational exposure to benzene may have persistent reproductive effects in formerly exposed workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Marchetti
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
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9
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Azari MR, Hosseini V, Jafari MJ, Soori H, Asadi P, Mousavion SMA. Evaluation of occupational exposure of shoe makers to benzene and toluene compounds in shoe manufacturing workshops in East tehran. TANAFFOS 2012; 11:43-9. [PMID: 25191437 PMCID: PMC4153221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shoe making is among the oldest traditional occupations. Hazardous chemical substances such as adhesives containing benzene and toluene are used in the manufacturing process. Due to the lack of studies on exposure of shoemakers to benzene and toluene in Iran, this study was organized aiming at evaluating occupational exposure and risk assessment in shoemakers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Overall, 48 shoemakers (12 workshops) in East Tehran were selected randomly for this study. Personal exposure of shoemakers in four different task groups of cutting, modeling, fitting and finishing was examined during three consecutive months (October, November and December) with different climatic conditions. Sampling and analysis of samples were based on an OSHA method (Method No.12). RESULTS The results of personal monitoring of subjects' exposure to benzene and toluene in each of the three consecutive months (Mean ± standard error) were 1.10± 0.11, 1.37 ± 0.14 and 1.52 ± 0.18ppm, 11.78 ± 1.77, 14.87 ± 1.71 and 16.08 ± 2.31ppm respectively. Due to climatic temperature changes from October to December and restriction of air flow due to closure of windows and shut down of general ventilation systems, a general trend of increased exposure was noticed. However, the difference among these three examinations was not statistically significant. Shoemakers in four task groups did not have statistically significant differences in exposure to benzene and toluene. The severity of shoemaker's exposure to toluene was significantly correlated with the number of manufactured shoes and the amount of glue used for the process. CONCLUSION Considering the magnitude of personal exposure of task groups to benzene and toluene which was higher than TLV-TWA and unacceptably high risk of cancer and non-cancerous diseases in these subjects, improvement of work conditions for shoemakers seems imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour R. Azari
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, College of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
| | - Vajihe Hosseini
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, College of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
| | - Mohammad Javad Jafari
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, College of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
| | - Hamid Soori
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, College of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
| | - Parisa Asadi
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, College of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
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Abstract
Benzene is a ubiquitous chemical in our environment that causes acute leukemia and probably other hematological cancers. Evidence for an association with childhood leukemia is growing. Exposure to benzene can lead to multiple alterations that contribute to the leukemogenic process, indicating a multimodal mechanism of action. Research is needed to elucidate the different roles of multiple metabolites in benzene toxicity and the pathways that lead to their formation. Studies to date have identified a number of polymorphisms in candidate genes that confer susceptibility to benzene hematotoxicity. However, a genome-wide study is needed to truly assess the role of genetic variation in susceptibility. Benzene affects the blood-forming system at low levels of occupational exposure, and there is no evidence of a threshold. There is probably no safe level of exposure to benzene, and all exposures constitute some risk in a linear, if not supralinear, and additive fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyn T Smith
- Superfund Research Program, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-7356, USA.
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11
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Issaragrisil S, Kaufman DW, Anderson T, Chansung K, Leaverton PE, Shapiro S, Young NS. The epidemiology of aplastic anemia in Thailand. Blood 2006; 107:1299-307. [PMID: 16254144 PMCID: PMC1895423 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-01-0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2005] [Accepted: 07/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aplastic anemia has been linked to environmental exposures, from chemicals and medical drugs to infectious agents. The disease occurs more frequently in Asia than in the West, with incidence rates 2- to 3-fold higher. We report updated results of an epidemiologic study conducted in Thailand from 1989 to 2002, in which 541 patients and 2261 controls were enrolled. Exposures were determined by in-person interview. We observed significantly elevated relative risk estimates for benzene (3.5) and other solvents (2.0) and for sulfonamides (5.6), thiazides (3.8), and mebendazole (3.0). Chloramphenicol use was infrequent, and no significant association was observed. Agricultural pesticides were implicated in Khonkaen (northeastern Thailand). There were significant associations with organophosphates (2.1), DDT (6.7), and carbamates (7.4). We found significant risks for farmers exposed to ducks and geese (3.7) and a borderline association with animal fertilizer (2.1). There was a significant association in Khonkaen with drinking other than bottled or distilled water (2.8). Nonmedical needle exposure was associated in Bangkok and Khonkaen combined (3.8). Most striking was the large etiologic fraction in a rural region accounted for by animal exposures and drinking of water from sources such as wells, rural taps, and rainwater, consistent with an infectious etiology for many cases of aplastic anemia in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surapol Issaragrisil
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
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Duarte-Davidson R, Courage C, Rushton L, Levy L. Benzene in the environment: an assessment of the potential risks to the health of the population. Occup Environ Med 2001; 58:2-13. [PMID: 11119628 PMCID: PMC1740026 DOI: 10.1136/oem.58.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Benzene has long been recognised as a carcinogen and recent concern has centred on the effects of continuous exposure to low concentrations of benzene both occupationally and environmentally. This paper presents an overview of the current knowledge about human exposure to benzene in the United Kingdom population based on recently published data, summarises the known human health effects, and uses this information to provide a risk evaluation for sections of the general United Kingdom population. METHOD Given the minor contribution that non-inhalation sources make to the overall daily intake of benzene to humans, only exposure from inhalation has been considered when estimating the daily exposure of the general population to benzene. Exposure of adults, children, and infants to benzene has been estimated for different exposure scenarios with time-activity patterns and inhalation and absorption rates in conjunction with measured benzene concentrations for a range of relevant microenvironments. Exposures during refuelling and driving, as well as the contribution of active and passive tobacco smoke, have been considered as part of the characterisation of risk of the general population. RESULTS Infants (<1 years old), the average child (11 years old), and non-occupationally exposed adults, receive average daily doses in the range of 15-26, 29-50, and 75-522 microg of benzene, respectively, which correspond to average ranges to benzene in air of 3.40-5.76 microg/m(3), 3.37-5.67 microg/m(3), and 3.7-41 microg/m(3) for infants, children, and adults, respectively. Infants and children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke have concentrations of exposure to benzene comparable with those of an adult passive smoker. This is a significant source of exposure as a 1995 United Kingdom survey has shown that 47% of children aged 2-15 years live in households where at least one person smokes. The consequence of exposure to benzene in infants is more significant than for children or adults owing to their lower body weight, resulting in a higher daily intake for infants compared with children or non-smoking adults. A worst case scenario for exposure to benzene in the general population is that of an urban smoker who works adjacent to a busy road for 8 hours/day-for example, a maintenance worker-who can receive a mean daily exposure of about 820 microg (equal to an estimated exposure of 41 microg/m(3)). The major health risk associated with low concentrations of exposure to benzene has been shown to be leukaemia, in particular acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia. The lowest concentration of exposure at which an increased incidence of acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia among occupationally exposed workers has been reliably detected, has been estimated to be in the range of 32-80 mg/m(3). Although some studies have suggested that effects may occur at lower concentrations, clear estimates of risk have not been determined, partly because of the inadequacy of exposure data and the few cases. CONCLUSIONS Overall the evidence from human studies suggests that any risk of leukaemia at concentrations of exposure in the general population of 3.7-42 microg/m(3)-that is at concentrations three orders of magnitude less than the occupational lowest observed effect level-is likely to be exceedingly small and probably not detectable with current methods. This is also likely to be true for infants and children who may be exposed continuously to concentrations of 3.4-5.7 microg/m(3). As yet there is no evidence to suggest that continuous exposures to these environmental concentrations of benzene manifest as any other adverse health effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Duarte-Davidson
- National Centre for Risk Analysis and Opotions Appraisal, Steel House, 11 Tothill Street, London, UK
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Korte JE, Hertz-Picciotto I, Schulz MR, Ball LM, Duell EJ. The contribution of benzene to smoking-induced leukemia. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2000; 108:333-339. [PMID: 10753092 PMCID: PMC1638019 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.00108333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of leukemia; benzene, an established leukemogen, is present in cigarette smoke. By combining epidemiologic data on the health effects of smoking with risk assessment techniques for low-dose extrapolation, we assessed the proportion of smoking-induced total leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) attributable to the benzene in cigarette smoke. We fit both linear and quadratic models to data from two benzene-exposed occupational cohorts to estimate the leukemogenic potency of benzene. Using multiple-decrement life tables, we calculated lifetime risks of total leukemia and AML deaths for never, light, and heavy smokers. We repeated these calculations, removing the effect of benzene in cigarettes based on the estimated potencies. From these life tables we determined smoking-attributable risks and benzene-attributable risks. The ratio of the latter to the former constitutes the proportion of smoking-induced cases attributable to benzene. Based on linear potency models, the benzene in cigarette smoke contributed from 8 to 48% of smoking-induced total leukemia deaths [95% upper confidence limit (UCL), 20-66%], and from 12 to 58% of smoking-induced AML deaths (95% UCL, 19-121%). The inclusion of a quadratic term yielded results that were comparable; however, potency models with only quadratic terms resulted in much lower attributable fractions--all < 1%. Thus, benzene is estimated to be responsible for approximately one-tenth to one-half of smoking-induced total leukemia mortality and up to three-fifths of smoking-related AML mortality. In contrast to theoretical arguments that linear models substantially overestimate low-dose risk, linear extrapolations from empirical data over a dose range of 10- to 100-fold resulted in plausible predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Korte
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7400, USA
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Smith MT, Zhang L. Biomarkers of leukemia risk: benzene as a model. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 1998; 106 Suppl 4:937-46. [PMID: 9703476 PMCID: PMC1533331 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.98106s4937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Although relatively rare, leukemias place a considerable financial burden on society and cause psychologic trauma to many families. Leukemia is the most common cancer in children. The causes of leukemia in adults and children are largely unknown, but occupational and environmental factors are strongly suspected. Genetic predisposition may also play a major role. Our aim is to use molecular epidemiology and toxicology to find the cause of leukemia and develop biomarkers of leukemia risk. We have studied benzene as a model chemical leukemogen, and we have identified risk factors for susceptibility to benzene toxicity. Numerous studies have associated exposure to benzene with increased levels of chromosome aberrations in circulating lymphocytes of exposed workers. Increased levels of chromosome aberrations have, in turn, been correlated with a heightened risk of cancer, especially for hematologic malignancy, in two recent cohort studies in Europe. Conventional chromosome analysis is laborious, however, and requires highly trained personnel. Further, it lacks statistical power, as only a small number of cells can be examined. The recently developed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies have allowed the detection of specific chromosome aberrations. These techniques are far less time consuming and are more sensitive than classical chromosomal analysis. Because leukemias commonly show a variety of specific chromosome aberrations, detection of these aberrations by FISH and PCR in peripheral blood may provide improved biomarkers of leukemia risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Smith
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley 94720-7360, USA.
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Hayes RB, Yin SN, Dosemeci M, Li GL, Wacholder S, Chow WH, Rothman N, Wang YZ, Dai TR, Chao XJ, Jiang ZL, Ye PZ, Zhao HB, Kou QR, Zhang WY, Meng JF, Zho JS, Lin XF, Ding CY, Li CY, Zhang ZN, Li DG, Travis LB, Blot WJ, Linet MS. Mortality among benzene-exposed workers in China. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 1996; 104 Suppl 6:1349-52. [PMID: 9118919 PMCID: PMC1469764 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.961041349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A large cohort of 74,828 benzene-exposed and 35,805 nonexposed workers employed between 1972 and 1987 in 12 cities in China was followed to determine mortality from all causes. Benzene-exposed study subjects were employed in a variety of occupations including coating applications, and rubber, chemical, and shoe production. Mortality was slightly increased among workers with greater cumulative exposure to benzene (ptrend < 0.05), but this excess was largely due to cancer deaths (ptrend < 0.01). Deaths due to lymphatic and hematopoietic malignancies (ptrend = 0.01) and lung cancer (ptrend = 0.01) increased with increasing cumulative exposure to benzene. Investigations continue to relate benzene exposure to specific lymphatic and hematopoietic malignancies and other causes of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Hayes
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7368, USA.
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16
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Dosemeci M, Yin SN, Linet M, Wacholder S, Rothman N, Li GL, Chow WH, Wang YZ, Jiang ZL, Dai TR, Zhang WU, Chao XJ, Ye PZ, Kou QR, Fan YH, Zhang XC, Lin XF, Meng JF, Zho JS, Blot WJ, Hayes RB. Indirect validation of benzene exposure assessment by association with benzene poisoning. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 1996; 104 Suppl 6:1343-1347. [PMID: 9118918 PMCID: PMC1469750 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.961041343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We present a validation study of a quantitative retrospective exposure assessment method used in a follow-up study of workers exposed to benzene. Assessment of exposure to benzene was carried out in 672 factories in 12 cities in China. Historical exposure data were collected for 3179 unique job titles. The basic unit for exposure assessment was a factory/work unit/job title combination over seven periods between 1949 and 1987. A total of 18,435 exposure estimates was developed, using all available historical information, including 8477 monitoring data. Overall, 38% of the estimates were based on benzene monitoring data. The highest time-weighted average exposures were observed for the rubber industry (30.7 ppm) and for rubber glue applicators (52.6 ppm). Because of its recognized link with benzene exposure, the association between a clinical diagnosis of benzene poisoning and benzene exposure was evaluated to validate the assessment method that we used in the cohort study. Our confidence in the assessment method is supported by the observation of a strong positive trend between benzene poisoning and various measures, especially recent intensity of exposure to benzene.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dosemeci
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Li G, Wang C, Xin W, Yin S. Tissue distribution of DNA adducts and their persistence in blood of mice exposed to benzene. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 1996; 104 Suppl 6:1337-1338. [PMID: 9118916 PMCID: PMC1469730 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.961041337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Chemicals combine with DNA, resulting in DNA damage, which could initiate carcinogenesis. To study whether benzene or benzene metabolites bind to DNA, DNA adducts in various tissues and their persistence in leukocytes were examined using the 32P-postlabeling assay. LACA mice were dosed ip with benzene at 500 mg/kg bw twice for 5 days. Two additional spots of DNA adducts are formed in bone marrow cells, liver cells, and peripheral blood compared with control mice. The relative adduct labeling values are 10.39, 11.32, and 13.77 adducts x 10(-8) nucleotides in these tissues, respectively. DNA adducts in blood leukocytes were observed at 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after exposure to benzene, but adduct levels decreased as a function of time. Relative adduct labeling of "adduct B" declined linearly but mildly, while "adduct C" displayed a stepwise decrease. The relative adduct labeling values of both these adducts at day 14 were 50% of those at day 1 after the last treatment. Both adducts were still detectable at day 21 after benzene exposure. These studies demonstrate that benzene could induce DNA adducts in bone marrow, liver, and white blood cells of mice dosed with benzene and that measurement of adducts in white blood cells may be useful as a biomarker to predict carcinogenic risk of benzene to workers exposed to benzene.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Li
- Institute of Occupational Medicine Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China, USA
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Yardley-Jones A, Anderson D, Parke DV. The toxicity of benzene and its metabolism and molecular pathology in human risk assessment. BRITISH JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE 1991; 48:437-444. [PMID: 1854646 PMCID: PMC1035396 DOI: 10.1136/oem.48.7.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Benzene, a common industrial chemical and a component of gasoline, is radiomimetic and exposure may lead progressively to aplastic anaemia, leukaemia, and multiple myeloma. Although benzene has been shown to cause many types of genetic damage, it has consistently been classified as a non-mutagen in the Ames test, possibly because of the inadequacy of the S9 microsomal activation system. The metabolism of benzene is complex, yielding glucuronide and sulphate conjugates of phenol, quinol, and catechol, L-phenylmercapturic acid, and muconaldehyde and trans, trans-muconic acid by ring scission. Quinol is oxidised to p-benzoquinone, which binds to vital cellular components or undergoes redox cycling to generate oxygen radicals; muconaldehyde, like p-benzoquinone, is toxic through depletion of intracellular glutathione. Exposure to benzene may also induce the microsomal mixed function oxidase, cytochrome P450 IIE1, which is probably responsible for the oxygenation of benzene, but also has a propensity to generate oxygen radicals. The radiomimetic nature of benzene and its ability to induce different sites of neoplasia indicate that formation of oxygen radicals is a major cause of benzene toxicity, which involves multiple mechanisms including synergism between arylating and glutathione-depleting reactive metabolites and oxygen radicals. The occupational exposure limit in the United Kingdom (MEL) and the United States (PEL) was 10 ppm based on the association of benzene exposure with aplastic anaemia, but recently was lowered to 5 ppm and 1 ppm respectively, reflecting a concern for the risk of neoplasia. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has even more recently recommended that, as benzene is considered an A1 carcinogen, the threshold limit value (TLV) should be decreased to 0.1 ppm. Only one study in man, based on nine cases of benzene associated fatal neoplasia, has been considered suitable for risk assessment. Recent re-evaluation of these data indicated that past assessments may have overestimated the risk, and different authors have considered that lifetime exposure to benzene at 1 ppm would result in an excess of leukaemia deaths of 9.5 to 1.0 per 1000. Although in this study, deaths at low levels of benzene exposure were associated with multiple myeloma and a long latency period, instead of leukaemia, which might justify further lowering of the exposure limit, the risk assessment model has been found to be non-significant for response at low levels of exposure. The paucity of data for man, the complexity of the metabolic activation of benzene, the interactive and synergistic mechanisms of benzene toxicity and carcinogenicity, the different disease endpoints (aplastic anaemia, leukaemia, and multiple myeloma), and different individual susceptibilities, all indicate that in such a complex scenario, regulators should proceed with caution before making further changes to the exposure limit for this chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yardley-Jones
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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