Analysis of Benzene Exposure in Gas Station Workers Using Trans,Trans-Muconic Acid

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Toxicology
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Benzene exposure is a significant occupational hazard for gas station workers in Brazil.
• Trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) is the legally recognized biomarker for assessing benzene exposure in Brazil.
• Understanding exposure levels is crucial for implementing effective worker protection measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify urinary t,t-MA levels in Brazilian gas station workers to evaluate benzene exposure.
• To compare exposure levels between different job roles (filling station attendants vs. convenience store workers) and a control group.
• To investigate potential correlations between t,t-MA levels, health symptoms, and demographic factors.

Main Methods:

• Urine samples were collected from 269 gas station workers and 100 office workers.
• Urinary t,t-MA concentrations were measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with a UV detector.
• Creatinine normalization was used to adjust for urine dilution.

Main Results:

• Gas station workers exhibited significantly higher mean urinary t,t-MA levels (0.204 mg/g creatinine) compared to office workers (0.126 mg/g creatinine).
• Convenience store workers (inhalation only) showed higher t,t-MA levels (0.221 mg/g creatinine) than filling station attendants (inhalation and dermal) (0.195 mg/g creatinine).
• Higher t,t-MA levels were associated with epistaxis, and regional differences in exposure were observed (Downtown vs. South Zone). Smoking influenced t,t-MA values.

Conclusions:

• Brazilian gas station workers face significant occupational benzene exposure, as indicated by elevated urinary t,t-MA.
• Exposure routes and work environments influence benzene metabolite levels.
• The findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and potential interventions to mitigate benzene exposure risks in this population.