Benzene and Pituitary-Thyroid Axis in Workers Exposed to Urban Pollution.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to verify if outdoor workers' exposure to low dose of benzene in urban air may affect thyroid hormone levels. The study was conducted on a total sample of 334 subjects. Benzene's environmental monitoring has been performed through personal dosimeters, whereas, for the biological monitoring, we have measured the concentration of blood benzene, trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) urinary, and S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) urinary on thyroid hormones. The statistical analysis was performed. Statistic test shows that there is a negative correlation between blood benzene levels, t,t-MA urinary, FT3, and FT4; there is a positive correlation between blood benzene, t,t-MA urinary, and TSH. Occupational exposure to low dose of benzene in urban pollution can affect thyroid hormone levels in occupationally exposed workers.