A study has been conducted on trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) as the biomarker for benzene exposure among
oil and gas petrol tanker drivers. The objectives of this study are to determine the significant difference and the
correlation between Benzene personal exposure and urinary t,t-MA among exposed and non-exposed workers. A total
of 92 questionnaires were distributed to obtain demographic and descriptive data. Benzene personal exposure was
sampled using SKC passive samplers and the data was analyzed using GC-FID. Urinary t,t-MA was collected at end of
work shift and analyzed using HPLC-UV detector. A total of 30 non-exposed workers were also sampled. The averages
of urinary t,t-MA were 96.65 ug/g creatinine for exposed workers and 0.51 ug/g creatinine for non-exposed workers.
Meanwhile, the averages of Benzene personal exposure were 0.37 mg/m3 and 0.01 mg/m3 for exposed workers and
non-exposed workers respectively. No significant correlation was found between exposure to benzene with excreted
urinary t,t-MA of workers occupationally exposed (p-value > 0.05) as well as to workers non-exposed to benzene
(p-value > 0.05). In conclusion, there is no significant correlation found between Benzene personal exposure and
urinary t,t-MA among exposed and non-exposed workers. Applicability of using t,t-MA as the biomarker of benzene
exposure shall be further discussed with all the other confounding factors to be taken into account.