Relationship between benzene concentration, MDA levels and kidney function in car painting workshops in Surabaya: A cross-sectional observational study

Background: Car painting workers are at risk of health problems, particularly kidney disorders, due to exposure to solvents containing benzene as the main ingredient in the car painting process. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between benzene and Risk Quotient (RQ) benzene concentrations with Malondialdehyde (MDA), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels in workers exposed to benzene in car painting workshops in Surabaya. Methods: This study used an observational design with a cross-sectional method conducted at two car paint workshops in Surabaya. The study population was all workers exposed to benzene in the two car paint workshops, aged between 20-65 years in 2019. The sample was taken using an random sampling method, involving 30 respondents. Inclusion criteria included workers exposed to benzene and willing to participate, while exclusion criteria included workers with a liver or kidney disease history. The variables studied included benzene concentration, benzene RQ (benzene metabolite), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of oxidative stress, and indicators of kidney function (BUN and creatinine levels). Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate analysis with Pearson correlation test. Results: There was no significant relationship between concentrations, RQ benzene, and MDA levels in workers in painting in Surabaya (p> 0.05). There was no significant relationship between benzene concentration, BUN levels, and creatinine levels in paint workers in Surabaya (p> 0.05). There was no significant relationship between benzene RQ and BUN and creatinine levels in paint workers in Surabaya (p> 0.05). Conclusions: This study's results indicate that benzene's effects do not lead to impaired kidney function. The benzene RQ variable in this study did not become a determining factor in BUN and creatinine levels in workers.