Publications

Background Benzene is a proven human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene increases the incidence of leukemia. The aim of this study was to determine the chromosome breakage of lymphocytes in benzene-exposed workers. Methods and Results The benzene management in TOTAL E&P Indonesia undertook identification of benzene sources, air monitoring, personal dose measurements, and biological monitoring. Benzene sources were identified in flotators, piggings, and oil water treatments. Most of the benzene air concentration was above the threshold limit value (> 1 ppm), some were above 250 ppm. Most of the personnel exposed to biologic monitoring were below the maximum standard. Risk management was also performed. The health surveillance in 115 samples from personnel shows 73 samples (63%) have chromosome breakage (banding), and 99 (86%) have non-banding. Statistically significant variables (p < 0.05) were work locations, positions, SPMA in urine, PPE, respirator use, Vitamin C intake, and tea consumption. A higher breakage of chromosome numbers 3 and 6 was found among workers exposed to benzene compared with non/less exposed workers. Main Findings and Policy Implication The finding of this study is the breakage in chromosomes 3 and 6 among workers exposed to benzene. Despite the well recognized effects of benzene (leukemia), other possible implications on health can be different for certain populations, as chromosome numbers 3 and 6 are associated with endocrine/metabolic and immunological disorders. This is consistent with the fact that after more than 40 years operation, no leukemia cases have been detected among the workers in the TEPI. Workers’ health surveillance shall continue to detect the possible early effects of benzene on their endocrine/immune systems. Benzene exposure should be further controlled by management by regular benzene exposure measurements of air ambience and biological monitoring, engineering control of benzene sources, antioxidant consumption, and the behavior of employees in using proper respirators. Keywords: Benzene, Chromosome Breakage, Genetic Polymorphism, Health Surveillance