Addendum zu Benzol [BAT Value Documentation in German language, 2018]

Abstract

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has derived biological reference values (BAR) and re‐evaluated the exposure equivalents for carcinogenic substances (EKA) for the urinary benzene metabolites S‐phenyl mercapturic acid, muconic acid and benzene in 2016. Available publications are described in detail. The existing exposure equivalents for carcinogenic substances (EKA) for the benzene metabolites were re‐evaluated and extended especially to the low exposure range. For the parameter benzene in urine, new EKA were established. Taking results of studies into consideration with persons of the general population occupationally not exposed to benzene, with sufficient number of cases and current biomonitoring methods, biological reference values (BAR) of 0.3 µg S‐phenyl mercapturic acid/g creatinine, 150 µg muconic acid/g creatinine and 0.3 µg benzene/l urine were established. Sampling time is at the end of exposure or the end of the working shift.

Modes of action considerations in threshold expectations for health effects of benzene

“…Benzene exposure is associated with altered immune status. Occupational exposure to benzene in excess of 2 ppm has been reported to cause significant decreases in white blood cell counts (Kraus et al, 2018; when applying the urine biomonitoring correlation from Lan et al, 2004;Qu et al, 2003;Schnatter et al, 2020). In and of itself white blood cell count can fluctuate substantially without adverse health effect, but when severe cytopenias occur (which can occur with high, long term benzene exposures Aksoy et al, 1972) immune suppression can result, which in turn may increase risk of AML (Gale and Opelz, 2012).…”

Vorläufiger Leitwert für Benzol in der Innenraumluft

“…Auf der Basis von drei deutschen Studien ergibt sich für SPMA im Urin der nichtrauchenden Allgemeinbevölkerung ein 95. Perzentil zwischen 0,3 und 0,5 µg SPMA/ g Kreatinin [29]. Die DFG-Arbeitsgruppe legte 2016 auf der Basis einer italienischen Studie von Campagna et al [5] an 86 Nichtrauchern für Benzol im Harn 0,3 µg SPMA/ g Kreatinin als Biologischen Arbeitsplatzreferenzwert (BAR) fest [29].…”

“…Perzentil zwischen 0,3 und 0,5 µg SPMA/ g Kreatinin [29]. Die DFG-Arbeitsgruppe legte 2016 auf der Basis einer italienischen Studie von Campagna et al [5] an 86 Nichtrauchern für Benzol im Harn 0,3 µg SPMA/ g Kreatinin als Biologischen Arbeitsplatzreferenzwert (BAR) fest [29]. Für Benzol im Harn wurde ein BAR-Wert von 0,3 µg/ l Harn und für die t,t-Muconsäure ein BAR von 150 µg/ g Kreatinin abgeleitet.…”