[Studies on comprehensive evaluation of toxic hazard in low-concentration benzene pollution]

Early adverse effects of exposure to benzene in a concentration less than 32 mg/m3 on the employees' health were comprehensively evaluated with WHO neurobehavioral core test battery, cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay for peripheral blood lymphocytes, determination of serum level of sialic acid and T-lymphocyte assay with alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) stain. Results revealed emotional irritability could be found in the exposed employees and 24% of them showed an abnormal percentage of micronuclei formation and increased serum level of sialic acid.