Benchmark dose estimation based on oxidative damage in Chinese workers exposed to benzene series compounds

This study evaluated the effects of BTEX exposure on oxidative stress; it analyzed the correlation between oxidative stress and peripheral blood counts and estimated the benchmark dose (BMD) of BTEX compounds. This study recruited 247 exposed workers and 256 controls; physical examination data were collected and serum oxidative stress levels were measured. Relationships between BTEX exposure and biomarkers were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, generalized linear model, and chi-square trend tests. Environmental Protection Agency Benchmark Dose Software was used to calculate the BMD and lower confidence limit of the BMD (BMDL) for BTEX exposure. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) correlated positively with peripheral blood counts, and negatively with the cumulative exposure dose. On using T-AOC as the outcome variable, the estimated BMD and BMDL for BTEX exposure were 3.57 mg/m3 and 2.20 mg/m3, respectively. Based on T-AOC, the calculated occupational exposure limit of BTEX was 0.055 mg/m3. [Display omitted] •Low levels of benzene series (BTEX) exposure can cause oxidative damage.•Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) has the potential as an indicator of the early biological effects of BTEX exposure.•The occupational exposure limit (OEL) of BTEX based on T-AOC damage was 0.055 mg/m3.