[Evaluation of environmental pollutant exposure in paediatric age: the case of "benzene"]

The aim of the study was to evaluate benzene exposure in paediatric age. The research was conducted among a group of 243 children (5-11 years) residents in two areas of Latium, respectively middle urbanization and rural area. Data was collected by a questionnaire administered to parents and analytical determinations of unmodified benzene, trans,trans-muconic acid and S-fenilmercapturic acid in urinary samples collected at the end of a "typical day" (school day). Comparison of data showed that unmodified benzene is a better biomarker of short term exposure, while metabolites are more useful to assess long term exposure, therefore integrate approach results fundamental to evaluate the intake of low environmental concentrations of benzene. In the present research, high significant exposure factors resulted urbanization of area and passive smoke exposure in domestic environment. Consequently, prevention programs on these specific factors become necessary to reduce benzene health risk for general population, especially to protect a particular susceptible group as paediatric age.