[Effect of exposure to low concentration of benzene and its analogues on luteal function of female workers].

Abstract

The effect of benzene and its analogues(BIA) on the luteal function of female workers was studied in a petrochemical corporation. The female workers from a chemical fiber corporation without benzene exposure were selected as controls. The levels of BIA(toluene and xylene) in the air at breathing zone were sampled and determined with gas chromatography(GC). The menstrual function was followed up. Urine pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG) and follicular stimulating hormone(FSH) were measured by enzyme immunoassay(EIA). The results showed that BIA existed in low concentration in air. The exposure could lead to a shorter length of time of luteal phase(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and decrease luteal progesterone level (P < 0.05). It was suggested that the low concentration of BIA exposure could have effect on the luteal function in exposed female workers, and urinary hormones could be used as biomarker for the influences of benzene and BIA on reproduction.