[Urine phenol test as an index of exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons]

Results of phenol determinations in urine of the workers of petrochemical combine in Płock have been statistically compared over 10 years. Besides this reaction has been checked in other plants and even in non--exposed persons. Phenol content in urine has been found to increase from year to year, despite very low benzene and phenol concentrations on the work--posts. This trend is also apparent in other plants. Considerations of the nature of the reaction lead to the conclusion that the phenol test informs about a total exposure to hydrocarbons of benzene ring, which metabolize to simple phenols. The authors suggest allowable safe values (65 mg/l) and limit values (about 200 mg/l) of these concentrations.