The Distribution and Concentration Monitoring of Benzene Industries - Six PLADs, China, 2020.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Benzene is classified as a Class I human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Long-term exposure to benzene increases the risk of chronic benzene poisoning and leukemia. However, benzene is still widely used in the manufacturing industry.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: The scale of enterprises most exposed to benzene was small enterprises, and joint-equity enterprises had the highest number that exceeded the permissible concentration-time weighted average.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: It is still necessary to strengthen the monitoring of benzene concentrations in the manufacturing industry, especially in small enterprises. The occupational exposure limit of benzene should be appropriately reduced.