Benzene and pituitary-thyroid axis in workers exposed to urban pollution

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