Leukemia Mortality among Benzene-Exposed Workers in Brazil (2006–2011)

Background: In this study, the annual leukemia mortality rate is estimated by occupational groups potentially exposed to benzene in Brazil and compared to non-exposed workers by sex. Methods: Data were extracted from the Mortality Information System and the National Institute of Geography and Statistics from 2006 to 2011. Occupational groups exposed to benzene were defined by using the Finnish Job-Exposure Matrix, FINJEM. Results: We found 21,049 leukemia deaths in 1917 in occupational groups potentially exposed to benzene, corresponding to an annual average mortality rate of 4.5/100,000, higher than the estimate for non-exposed workers: 2.6/100,000, corresponding to a Mortality rate ratio MRR = 1.7. Each benzene-exposed occupational group had increased leukemia mortality, and printers and occupations in graphics presented the highest MRR (2.7), followed by laboratory assistants (MRR = 2.6), laundry workers, chemists, and upholsterers, each of these occupational groups presenting MRR = 2.3. Conclusions: Benzene shows the need for better enforcement of protective norms against this known carcinogen. Our results support the need for better enforcement of protective norms to reduce benzene exposure.