Tumors due to chronic exposure to benzene and biomarkers of exposure

Due to occupational activities, many people are exposed carcinogenic airborne pollutants, such as benzene. Furthermore, benzene is also present in cigarette smoke. The main cancers associated with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) lung cancer malignancies of the blood. At initial stages, often asymptomatic, but progression into metastasis a huge clinical concern. We performed review on possible biomarkers for monitoring increased genome instability downregulation immune system connection overexposure BTEX subgroup workers being at Brazilian gas stations. subject routine blood exams every semester; however, early genomic assessment not routine. evaluated available tests be applied, including measuring benzene-derived metabolites urine, determination oxidative inflammatory markers blood, immunophenotypical profiling, micronucleus test, comet (single-cell gel electrophoresis) assay, (molecular) cytogenetics, chromosomal microarray, epigenetic-changes oriented tests, mitochondrial (mt)DNA copy numbers, studies miRNA-level. However, no consensus was reached about their application which test combination might suited best.