Worker's Health Conditions in Sentinel Enterprises with Benzene Exposure in a District of Hangzhou, 2011-2013

Objective Though a retrospective analysis of the occupational health examination data in 2011-2013 of benzene exposed workers in a district of Hangzhou to understand the occupational health conditions of benzene exposed workers and put forward countermeasures and suggestions.

Methods An enterprise with benzene exposure listed in the official sentinel surveillance system in a district of Hangzhou City was selected. Benzene exposed workers in the sentinel enterprise were enlisted as study subjects, their basic information were obtained by questionnaire, and their physical examination data were provided by the district health authority. Respectively 1 503, 1 506, and 1 511 benzene exposed workers were investigated during 2011-2013, and 320 workers had physical examination data for the three consecutive years. Main observation indices included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, routine urinary indicators, and routine blood indicators of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets.

Results There were 457, 522, and 491 benzene exposed workers from 2011-2013 respectively reported one or more abnormal indices. Specifically, the abnormal BMI rates in the three years were 20.76%, 23.17%, and 23.23%, respectively; the abnormal blood pressure rates were 5.85%, 14.87%, and 6.68%, respectively; the abnormal routine urinary indicator rates were 0.86%, 2.46%, and 0.99%, respectively; the abnormal routine blood indicator rates were 6.39%, 8.43%, and 6.82%, respectively; the abnormal red blood cell count rates were 0.20%, 0.27%, and 1.72%, respectively; the abnormal hemoglobin count rates were 0.13%, 0.27%, and 0.53%, respectively; the abnormal white blood cell count rates were 6.12%, 8.17%, and 5.03%, respectively; the abnormal platelet count rates were 0.27%, 0.07%, and 0.07%, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in the abnormal rates of BMI, blood pressure, routine urine test indicator, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count (all Ps < 0.05). For those who had three consecutive years of physical examination data, the abnormal rates of red blood cell count and white blood cell count were statistically different (both Ps < 0.05).

Conclusion Good occupational health conditions of benzene exposed workers are identified in the district of Hangzhou. The enterprise should strengthen occupational health management and the staff themselves should pay attention to their health and adopt a healthy lifestyle.