Serum immunoglobulin levels in workers exposed to benzene, toluene and xylene

Immunoglobulin levels in the sera of 35 workers occupationally exposed to benzene, toluene and xylene were studied by means of a simple radial immunodiffusion. The immunoglobulin levels were compared with those of a control group of 42 healthy adults. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the IgG and IgA levels, accompanied by an increase in the IgM level. It is possible that this observation reflects a suppressive action of benzene on immunoglobulinproducing cells, resulting in the inhibition of DNA synthesis.