ABSTRACT
The burden of liver disease in Egypt is exceptionally high. Unquestionably, additional factors contributing to liver disease burden remain to be elucidated. Human exposure to benzene in work environment is a gbbat occupational health problem; it may represent a risk factor for hepatotoxicity, liver cancer and hematotoxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the hazardous effects of occupational exposure to benzene on liver and blood, as well as the protective role of the antioxidant [vitamin A] on hematotoxic and hepatotoxic effects among shoemakers who exposed to benzene. Twenty hundred and fifty workers were enrolled in this study after taking an informed consent; 140 occupationally exposed workers to benzene for more than 3 years [workers group; subdivided into non-treated and treated with vitamin A], and 110 workers never occupationally exposed to benzene [control group]. The benzene urine level, complete blood counts [CBC5], the liver enzymes, and the tumor marker, alphafetoprotein [AFP] were estimated. The benzene level in urine samples was significantly increased in shoemakers group. Benzene exposed non-treated workers showed significant increase in the liver enzymes and AFP, while the CBCs were significantly lower compared with both control group and benzene exposed treated group with vitamin A. Occupational exposure to benzene found to have hazardous effects, which were reflected on CBCs, liver enzymes, and AFP. Additionally, the vitamin A was observed to be effectively potent in ameliorating the haematotoxic and hepatotoxic effects in exposed workers. Periodic medical care and CBCs in combination with urinary benzene [UB] level were recommended in benzene workers