Background: In Brazil, gas stations are not self-service; attendants fill fuel tanks, leading to chronic exposure to BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), which can cause bone marrow degeneration and immunosuppression. This systematic review highlights recent advances in biomonitoring gas station workers (GSW).
Methods: We searched PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases for articles in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish from 2014 to April 30, 2024, using multiple search terms.
Results: A total of 1,086 articles were identified, 322 were analyzed, and 13 were included in the final review. We highlighted recent technologies in GSW biomonitoring, such as immunophenotyping, molecular cytogenetics (FISH), and measuring miRNAs and inflammatory markers via ELISA. We also explored the link between benzene exposure and immunosuppression and suggested a potential association with chronic inflammation. Conclusion: GSWs face significant health risks and require continuous clinical monitoring, even in the absence of overt disease. Effect biomarkers may indicate early biological responses to benzene toxicity and highlight potential health risks. However, there is no universally accepted gold standard for assessing these biomarkers.
Keywords: Benzene; Gas station employees; gas station attendants.