BIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF EXPOSURE TO BENZENE AND TOLUENE IN TYRE RETREADERS

Workers engaged in tyre retreading face the possibility of occupational exposure to benzene and toluene as these are used as solvents and glue. Exposure to these solvents in other industries has been aptly described in several reports. Considering important from public health point of view, a study on biological monitoring of benzene and toluene exposure in tyre retreaders was performed Urine samples were analyzed for the metabolites of benzene and toluene viz. phenol and hippuric acid respectively. The information like smoking, alcohol intake, age and duration of job was sought after personal interviews. Results showed, that population of smokers excreted less phenol but high hippuric acid in comparison to non smokers. Alcohol intake inhibited the metabolism of benzene and toluene. Excretion of phenol and hippuric acid was lower in alcoholics than non alcoholics. Age also affected the excretion of phenol. It was found to be lowest in the age group of 30-40 years. Excretion of phenol was lowest in workers having the work experience of 16-20 years, whereas, excretion of hippuric acid was lowest in workers having the experience of 6-10 years. These observations confirmed that tyre retreaders are exposed to benzene and toluene through their work environment.