The Evolving Industrial Landscape in Occupational Chronic Benzene Poisoning - 6 PLADs, China, 2020-2023

As a major producer and consumer of benzene, China has long confronted the challenge of occupational chronic benzene poisoning (OCBP). Between 2005 and 2019, OCBP in China primarily occurred in private enterprises, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and the general/special-purpose equipment manufacturing industry. However, with the continuous strengthening of national supervision and restrictions on the use of benzene-containing materials, the industrial distribution of OCBP may have changed from 2020 to 2023.

A total of 6 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) with concentrated benzene-related industries - Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Sichuan, Fujian, and Tianjin - were selected for analysis. We collected data on 162 newly reported OCBP cases from 2020 to 2023. Based on the National Economic Industry Classification standards, we analyzed these cases according to enterprise size, economic type, and industry classification.

The number of OCBP cases in China decreased significantly, reaching a historical low of 56 cases in 2023 [accounting for 15.3% of chronic occupational poisoning (COP)], compared to an average of 256 cases annually from 2005 to 2019 (26.7% of COP). From 2020 to 2023, OCBP continued to occur predominantly in manufacturing, private, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. However, the primary industry associated with OCBP shifted to chemical raw materials and chemical products manufacturing, followed by petroleum, coal, and other fuel processing industries.

OCBP remains a major component of COP in China. While continuing to regulate the manufacturing industry, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, supervision should be strengthened in the evolving industries where benzene poisoning now predominantly occurs.