Benzene Health Monitoring

Benzene is a highly toxic organic compound and known cancer causing agent. The primary source of exposure for the general population occurs through vehicle fuel and biproducts. In industrial settings it is mainly used as an intermediate to create other chemicals and these processes create risks for the involved workforce.

Workers may be at risk of exposure to benzene when involved in:

• Refining operations
• Plastics and rubber manufacturing
• Painting
• Manufacturing dyes, resins and detergents
• Polystyrene
• Detergents, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides
• Fuels and other petroleum-based products.
• Firefighting.

Benzene can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin and can result in a range of acute and long-term health issues. Benzene requires effective use of personal protective equipment and frequent monitoring for workers involved in its use.

Diseases associated to Benzene exposure include the following:

• Cancer
  • Benzene increases the risk of some cancers including leukemia. Long term exposure to Benzene is known to be a causal factor for blood cancers
• Bone Blood Disorders
  • Benzene can affect the bone marrow leading to a dangerous reduction in red blood cells and immune issues known as anaemia
• Brain (Neurological) Issues
  • Acute exposure to Benzene can cause dizziness, drowsiness and even unconsciousness.

Due to the toxic nature of benzene, health monitoring is required to protect workers who work with chemicals containing the product. Additionally, regulations require any worker who suspect they have been exposed to Benzene containing materials to undergo medical assessment where risk assessment determines significant risk to health.

Health monitoring for benzene exposure should occur:

• before commencing work with benzene or benzene containing products
• if a worker has an excessive exposure after a spill or loss of containment
• if spot urine testing reveals high Urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) levels
• at regular intervals for longer term or ongoing health monitoring processes as recommended by the supervising doctor
• a worker shows symptoms of exposure
• return to work after removal from work due to a suspected exposure.

Biological monitoring for benzene exposure includes:

• baseline blood samples for haematological profile
• urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) urine testing.

The medical assessment requirements include:

• demographic details, medical history, and occupational history
• review of personal exposure records
• physical examination
• benzene health education prior to commencing work
• additional medical counselling where workers are exposed, suspected of being exposed or are concerned about exposure to benzene
• review by an appropriately experienced doctor.

We can conduct both medical assessments and biological monitoring as part of your health monitoring requirements. These assessments can be conducted in our clinics or on your site (for minimum numbers).