Occupational Chemical Risk: Benzene

Öz

Benzene is an organic compound widely used in industry for its high solubility; however, it poses severe occupational health risks due to its flammability and toxicity. Effective management of this chemical, which can lead to leukemia, respiratory disorders, and organ damage, is critical for developing accurate risk prevention strategies in workplaces. In this context, scientific research trends on occupational benzene exposure—a globally recognized public health concern due to its high toxicity—have been comprehensively examined through bibliometric analysis covering studies conducted since 1980. This study analyzed 2,198 publications retrieved from the Web of Science™ (WoS) database by searching for the terms “occupational exposure benzene” and “workplace exposure benzene” across the title, topic, keywords, and abstract fields, applying certain limitations. The results indicate that scientific studies have steadily increased over the years and reveal a multidisciplinary structure. However, the current literature primarily focuses on epidemiological relationships, biological monitoring, and environmental toxicity, while technical studies on risk assessment and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices remain relatively limited. These findings suggest that future research focusing more on technical risk management and OHS policies will provide stronger practical contributions, establishing a foundation to guide both national and international literature.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Benzene
• Occupational Exposure
• Chemical Risk
• Bibliometric Analysis
• Occupational Health and Safety

Mesleki Kimyevi Risk: Benzen

Öz

Benzen, endüstride geniş kullanım alanına sahip, yüksek çözünürlük kapasiteli ancak alevlenir ve toksik özellikleri nedeniyle ciddi iş sağlığı riskleri barındıran organik bir maddedir. Özellikle kan kanseri, solunum sistemi rahatsızlıkları ve organ hasarlarına yol açabilen bu kimyevi maddenin yönetimi, iş yerlerinde doğru risk önleme stratejilerinin geliştirilmesi açısından kritiktir. Bu doğrultuda, küresel bir halk sağlığı sorunu olan ve yüksek toksisitesi ile bilinen mesleki benzen maruziyeti konusunda 1980 yılından itibaren gerçekleştirilen bilimsel araştırma eğilimleri bibliyometrik analizle kapsamlı bir şekilde incelenmiştir. Web of Science™ (WoS) veri tabanında başlık, konu, anahtar kelimeler ve özet kısımlarında “mesleki benzen maruziyeti” ve “iş yerinde benzen maruziyeti” ifadeleri aranarak belirli sınırlamalar uygulanmış ve toplam 2198 yayın değerlendirmeye alınmıştır. Araştırma sonuçları, bilimsel çalışmaların sürekli arttığını ve multidisipliner bir yapı sergilediğini göstermektedir. Ancak mevcut birikimin çoğunlukla epidemiyolojik ilişkiler, biyolojik izleme ve çevresel toksisiteye odaklandığı; teknik risk değerlendirmesi ve İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği (İSG) uygulamalarının ise sınırlı kaldığı tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, gelecekteki çalışmaların teknik risk yönetimi ve İSG politikalarına yoğunlaşmasının uygulama düzeyinde daha etkin sonuçlar doğuracağını göstermekte ve hem ulusal hem de uluslararası literatür için yol gösterici bir zemin oluşturmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Benzen
• Mesleki Maruziyet
• Kimyevi Risk
• Bibliyometrik Analiz
• İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği

Kaynakça

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