A case of re-evaluation of occupational chronic severe benzene poisoning

Benzene, a direct human carcinogen, primarily affects the hematopoietic system. This study analyzes the diagnostic and appraisal process of a suspected case of occupational chronic severe benzene poisoning (presenting as aplastic anemia), aiming to provide insights into the etiological diagnosis of chronic severe benzene poisoning. The diagnosis of occupational tumors must strictly comply with the national standard GBZ 94-2017 "Diagnosis of Occupational Tumor". Leukemia in patients without a history of chronic benzene poisoning should meet three conditions simultaneously at the time of diagnosis: confirmed leukemia diagnosis, definitive history of excessive occupational benzene exposure (cumulative duration≥6 months), and a latency period ≥2 years. Although the pathological mechanisms of aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia are different, they can all be caused by long-term benzene exposure, and the outcomes are similar. According to the GBZ 94-2017 standard, it provides the possibility for the diagnosis of occupational chronic severe benzene poisoning (aplastic anemia) in the patients of this article.