Considerations on the limit values for benzene]

Occupational exposure limits and guideline values for the general population proposed for benzene by several international bodies are discussed and compared with the Italian and EU occupational limit values, taking also into account the criteria used for their derivation. Benzene is an environmental pollutant, and the EU guideline value for ambient air is 5 microg/m3, based on carcinogenic risk. Presently, occupational exposures are greatly reduced, and in many instances close to those of the general population. Consequently, it does not seem to be appropriate to maintain the Italian and the EU occupational exposure limits of 1 ppm (3.2 mg/m3), which are inconsistent with the ALARA principle and not justified by technological constraints. It should be pointed out that, in any case, preventive interventions should be carried out, beyond the compliance with the established limit values, in order to ensure the lowest exposure and by carrying out biological monitoring as a tool to verify the appropriateness of risk management measures.