[Effect of low benzene exposure on workers' peripheral blood parameters of different similar exposure groups].
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between low benzene exposure doses with workers' peripheral blood parameters of different similar exposure groups (SEG).


METHODS
The workers were from a shoe factory and divided into different SEG, according to the observation method and sampling method. Exposure levels, blood samples and job histories were collected. The relationship between benzene level and blood routine were analyzed using multiple regression method.


RESULTS
Five SEGs were defined. No significant differences were found among different SEG in length of service, smoking, drinking, blood routine and symptoms except for ages. Significant negative correlation (r = -0.36, P < 0.05) between benzene exposure levels and white blood cell counts were found by multiple regression analysis. Similar negative correlation was also found between length of benzene exposure and red blood cell counts (r = -0.29, P < 0.05). No significantly statistical relationships were found between benzene exposure and red blood cell counts or platelet count.


CONCLUSIONS
SEGs method is sensitive for determining the relationship between benzene exposure levels and white blood cell counts. Further study is needed by increasing the number of workers to study the relationship between low benzene exposure and peripheral blood parameters.
Miao
Li-zhuang
LZ
Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Fu
Hua
H
D001554:Benzene / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D002681:China; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D019055:No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis
D002273:Carcinogens; D001554:Benzene