Determination safe duration of exposure to benzene in workers of petrolium processing industrial laboratory in indonesia by using noael of white mice (Rattus norvegicus)

Benzene is a volatile liquid aromatic hydrocarbon. Benzene is also used in industries related to oil processing, one of which is fuel. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Register (ATSDR), toxic chemicals contained in oil includes Policyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), benzene, ethylene and toluene. Of all these toxin substances, benzene is the most dangerous chemical and exposure to benzene has a serious impact on human health. As a form of control effort, determining the safe duration of exposure (Dt) for benzene exposure based on the value of RfC (Reference of Concentration) using NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) of white mice (Rattus norvegicus) is needed. This study aimed to determine the value of No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of white mice (Rattus norvegicus), safe limits of toxin dosage for the community or Reference of Concentration (RfC), Risk Quontient (RQ) and safe duration of exposure (Dt) in laboratory workers. This was a cross sectional, observational, and descriptive study with 51 samples of PT Pertamina RU IV Cilacap laboratory workers. The object sample used in this study was the air in the work area of the main laboratory section and the petrochemical and gas laboratory of PT Pertamina RU IV Cilacap. The results of this study indicated that safe duration of exposure (Dt) was 19 years; under normal safe duration of exposure for workers. The safe duration of exposure (Dt) can be a reference for the relevant company to consider the workers’ working period and reduce the exposure duration with benzene to prevent significant health impact on workers.