Hematological effect of benzene exposure with emphasis of muconic acid as a biomarker.

Human exposure to benzene in work environment is a global occupational health problem. It is established that benzene requires to be metabolized to induce its effects. Benzene has been associated with various hematotoxins and carcinogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of benzene on complete blood picture, with emphasis of trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) as a biomarker of benzene in urine, considering the influence of cigarette smoke. A total of 81 workers (61 males and 20 females) have been occupationally exposed to benzene. In addition, 83 workers (55males and 28 females) were also recruited as a control group. Complete blood picture was analyzed and urinary t,t-MA was determined by liquid chromatography. In addition, creatinine in the urine samples was determined. Levels of blood elements (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) were decreased among exposed workers compared with the controls. The urinary level of t,t-MA/creatinine of the exposed workers was elevated especially in the smoking group compared to the controls. This study recommends that complete blood picture and t,t-MA are helpful biomarker tests that should be done to detect the early effects of benzene exposure.