Benzene Exposure and Childhood Leukemia

Benzene is a widely recognized environmental contaminant classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), known to induce hematological disorders such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite substantial evidence in adult populations, its role in childhood leukemia remains underexplored, particularly in regions with high benzene exposure, such as Saudi Arabia. This hospital-based, frequency-matched case-control study aims to investigate the association between environmental benzene exposure and the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and AML in Saudi children.

The study will assess internal benzene exposure using urinary biomarkers, including trans, trans-muconic acid (tt-MA), S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), phenol, catechol, trihydroxybenzene, and hydroquinone. To understand benzene's hematopoietic toxicity, genotoxic and oxidative stress biomarkers will be evaluated in peripheral blood: comet assay, micronuclei (MN), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and etheno-DNA adducts.

A detailed parental questionnaire will be administered to collect demographic, lifestyle, and environmental exposure data. The study also includes the measurement of confounders such as cotinine (passive smoking), 1-hydroxypyrene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury).

By identifying early-life exposure biomarkers linked to leukemia risk, the project seeks to significantly advance understanding of preventable environmental risk factors and support policy measures to minimize children's exposure to carcinogenic compounds in Saudi Arabia.

Ghofran Alqudaihi, Ibrahim Ghemlas, Ahmed Abdul Karim, Habiba Sultana, Khalid Alhusayn, Gamal Mohamed, Yara Aljerayed, Reem Alswayeh, Reem Alrouqi.