Occupational benzene exposure and worker health outcomes: a cross-sectional study in Nanning, China

Objectives. This study assessed the health effects of occupational benzene exposure to inform preventive strategies. Methods. Occupational health surveillance data for benzene-exposed workers in Nanning (2020-2024) were obtained from the China Occupational Disease and Health Hazard Factors Monitoring Information System. Demographic, occupational and physical examination data were analyzed using χ² tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results. Abnormalities occurred in complete blood count (CBC) (4.47%), liver function (5.95%), electrocardiogram (ECG) (14.10%) and blood pressure (BP) (13.69%). Female workers had higher odds of CBC abnormalities (odds ratio [OR] 1.352) but lower odds of liver function (OR 0.362), ECG (OR 0.813) and BP (OR 0.572) abnormalities than males. Older age was associated with more ECG and BP abnormalities but fewer liver function abnormalities. Longer employment and manufacturing work (OR 1.735) increased the CBC abnormality risk. Conclusion. Occupational benzene exposure is associated with multifactorial health risks, warranting coordinated prevention by governments, enterprises and workers.