Possible genotoxicity in low level benzene exposure

Structural chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in peripheral blood were studied in female workers employed in the shoe‐making industry in two periods: 1987 (group I; N = 38) and 1992 (group II; N = 45). Only 11 of the workers were present in both groups and their results are presented both together and separately. Occupational exposure to benzene and toluene was confirmed through their determination in the working area, blood, and phenol in pre‐ and post‐shift urine. The results were compared with those from the control group (N = 35). Benzene in the working atmosphere was significantly higher in 1987 compared to 1992, but was always lower than the current Croatian permissible concentration of 50 mg m−3 (in the near future this value will be changed to 15 mg m−3). A statistically significant difference was also found in biological markers of benzene exposure between the two periods of the investigation. Increased absorption in the first period occurred because of intensified production in 1987, and this decreased significantly in 1992 because of the war in Croatia. The cytogenetic study showed a significant increase in dicentric chromosomes in exposed groups I and II when compared to the control group. Statistically significant higher SCE frequencies were found in group I compared to the control group and also compared to group II. Between exposed group II and the controls no statistically significant difference in SCEs was found. Comparing the same 11 workers present in both periods the results showed no difference in chromosome aberrations between the two periods of examination. SCE frequencies were significantly higher in 1987 when greater benzene absorption occurred, confirmed by biomarkers of benzene exposure. The presented results indicate that genotoxicity may occur in workers exposed to low levels of benzene in the shoe industry.