Interaction of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene with human’s body: Insights into characteristics, sources and health risks

Abstract

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds, notably benzene, pose health risks, necessitating monitoring and mitigation strategies. Anthropogenic and natural sources of BTEX compounds are detailed across industrial, residential, transport, and natural environments. Human exposure to Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX) occurs predominantly through inhalation, constituting over ninety percent of exposures in the general population. Upon inhalation, BTEX compounds are swiftly absorbed, impacting various physiological systems adversely. Understanding the diverse impacts of BTEX exposure is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and safeguarding public health. This paper elucidates the mechanisms underlying BTEX impacts on the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, hematologic, hematopoietic, immune, reproductive, and nervous systems. Inhalation primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to lung tissue damage, decreased lung function, inflammation, and asthma. Cardiovascular impacts include arrhythmias, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. BTEX exposure induces hepatic and genetic toxicity, hematologic disorders, immune dysfunction, and reproductive effects. Neurological effects encompass alterations in brain structure, neurotransmitter levels, cognitive function, anxiety, impulsivity, and depression.