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- Exposure to Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes and Risk of Depression: A Cross-sectional Study of a National Sample of Korean Adults
- Hyun-Wook Park, Byung-Sun Choi, Bomi Park, Wanhyung Lee, Weon-Young Lee
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(1):95-104. Published online November 6, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.522
- 1,030 View
- 95 Download
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Abstract
Summary
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Supplementary Material - Objectives
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) are co-occurring neurotoxicants that are structurally similar aromatic hydrocarbons sharing common metabolic pathways and mechanisms of toxicity. This study investigated the effects of BTEX exposure on depression and aimed to identify the primary contributors to depression risk.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1733 adults from the 2020–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. BTEX exposure was quantified based on urinary metabolite concentrations: S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) for benzene, benzylmercapturic acid for toluene, the sum of phenylglyoxylic acid and mandelic acid for ethylbenzene, and methylhippuric acid for xylenes. Depression was defined according to self-reported physician diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk associated with individual chemicals, while weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was employed to assess mixture effects and identify the primary toxicant. Sensitivity analyses were performed to address potential confounding by tobacco smoke.
Results
Urinary SPMA concentrations were significantly higher in individuals with depression. Logistic regression revealed a significant association between SPMA levels and depression (odds ratio, 2.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 5.13). Although the overall BTEX mixture was not significantly associated with depression after covariate adjustment in WQS models, SPMA consistently emerged as the major contributor. The association between SPMA and depression remained robust in sensitivity analyses excluding participants exposed to tobacco smoke.
Conclusions
Benzene exposure was associated with an increased risk of depression in the general Korean adult population. Therefore, strengthened environmental regulations on benzene could help reduce the public health burden of depression. -
SummaryKorean summary
본 연구는 2020–2021년 국민건강영양조사 자료를 활용하여 한국 성인에서 요중 벤젠, 톨루엔, 에틸벤젠, 자일렌 대사체 농도와 우울증 위험 간의 연관성을 분석하였다. 분석 결과, 벤젠의 대사체인 요중 S-phenyl-mercapturic acid는 우울증 위험 증가와 연관성을 보였다. 흡연 요인을 제외한 민감도 분석에서도 연관성은 일관되게 유지되어, 벤젠 노출 저감을 위한 환경적 관리 강화가 우울증 예방에 기여할 수 있음을 시사한다.Key Message
This study investigated the association between urinary metabolites of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene and depression risk among Korean adults, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2020–2021. The findings indicated a significant association between urinary S-phenyl-mercapturic acid, a metabolite of benzene, and an increased risk of depression. This association remained robust after excluding smoking factors, underscoring the potential benefits of improved environmental management in reducing benzene exposure to prevent depression.
- Exposure of Volunteer Traffic Assistants to PM2.5 From Transportation in Indonesia: An Environmental Health Risk Analysis
- Iwan Suryadi, Juherah Juherah, Siti Rachmawati, Nurlaila Fitriani, Muhammad Kahfi, Syahrul Basri
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(4):379-387. Published online February 25, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.004
- 6,208 View
- 371 Download
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Abstract
Summary
PDF
- Objectives
Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) from motor vehicle emissions has increased air pollution, negatively affecting both the environment and human health. This study aims to evaluate the concentration of fine particulate matter, assess associated health risks, and simulate the spatial distribution of PM2.5.
Methods
PM2.5 samples were collected from 36 key congestion points along the main roads of Makassar City. Measurements were taken for one hour during the morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. The hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated to estimate non-carcinogenic health risks. A total of 175 volunteer traffic assistants participated in the study. Spatial analysis was performed using the kriging method.
Results
The highest recorded PM2.5 concentration was 65 µg/m3 on Hertasning Street, while the lowest was 2 µg/m3 on AP Pettarani Street. The average concentration across all locations was 23.20 µg/m3. Although PM2.5 levels remained below Indonesia’s regulatory limit of 65 µg/m3, they exceeded the World Health Organization guideline of 15 µg/m3. The highest HQ value was 12.94, and the lowest was 0.22. The spatial analysis showed a direct correlation between higher pollutant concentrations and congested areas.
Conclusions
The findings indicate that the HQ for PM2.5 exceeds the acceptable standard (HQ>1), signifying a health risk that increases with frequent exposure. Effective air quality management strategies—including the use of masks, promotion of green transportation, and expansion of green open spaces—are essential to reduce pollutants and minimize health risks, especially for individuals with regular exposure. -
SummaryKey Message
This study evaluates the exposure of volunteer traffic assistants to PM2.5 pollution from transportation in Makassar, Indonesia, highlighting significant health risks. PM2.5 concentrations in high-traffic areas exceed WHO guidelines, leading to increased risks of respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and neurological disorders. The research underscores the importance of air pollution control measures, such as adopting cleaner transportation, increasing green spaces, and promoting public awareness. Effective strategies are crucial to preserving quality of life, protecting heart health, and reducing long-term health impacts, particularly for individuals regularly exposed to high levels of urban pollution.Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't- Relationship Between Serum Concentrations of Organochlorine Pesticides and Metabolic Syndrome Among Non-Diabetic Adults.
- Sun Kyun Park, Hyo Kyung Son, Sung Kook Lee, Jung Ho Kang, Yoon Seok Chang, David R Jacobs, Duk Hee Lee
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2010;43(1):1-8.
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2010.43.1.1
- 7,753 View
- 144 Download
- 43 Crossref
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Abstract
PDF
- OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to investigate if organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance among non-diabetes. METHODS: Among subjects who participated in a community-based health survey, 50 non-diabetic subjects with metabolic syndrome and 50 normal controls were selected. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Eight OCPs were selected. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders except for body mass index (BMI), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) and heptachlor epoxide were positively associated with metabolic syndrome. Odds ratios across tertiles of beta-HCH and heptachlor epoxide were 1.0, 3.2 and 4.4, and 1.0, 4.0 and 6.0, respectively (p for trend = 0.01 and <0.01). After additional adjustment for body mass index (BMI), heptachlor epoxide still showed an increasing trend with adjusted odds ratios of 1.0, 4.1, and 4.6 (p for trend = 0.10). When the five components of metabolic syndrome (with the definition of high fasting glucose (> or =100 mg/dL)) were separately analyzed, all components were positively, but not significantly, associated with heptachlor epoxide. As the serum concentration of heptachlor epoxide increased, HOMA-IR increased significantly in subjects with metabolic syndrome even after adjusting for BMI (p value <0.05 and <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size, this study suggests that the background exposure to some OCPs may be associated with metabolic syndrome. -
Summary
Citations
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