Factors Influencing Indoor Xylene Concentrations and Biomarkers in the General Population Based on the 2020-2021 KNHANES.

Purpose: Xylene, a widely used aromatic hydrocarbon, is associated with various health concerns due to its industrial and environmental exposure. While recent studies have raised concerns about its health effects on the general population, research on factors influencing xylene exposure in non-industrial settings remains limited. In this study, we aimed to analyze factors affecting indoor xylene concentrations and biomarkers in the general population using data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

Materials and methods: We analyzed the data of 1098 participants who completed indoor air quality and biomarker testing within 1 month and had no liver or kidney disease. Environmental and individual factors were analyzed, and logistic regression was performed to identify determinants of indoor xylene concentrations and xylene biomarkers.

Results: Environmental factors such as building age within 5 years, recent house repairs within 6 months, and the use of air cleaners or air fresheners were significantly associated with higher indoor xylene concentrations. Among individual factors, high-risk occupations for xylene exposure, such as agricultural or fishery workers, machine operators, functional or assembly workers, and simple laborers, were associated with increased biomarker levels. Additionally, smoking status and body mass index were associated with xylene biomarkers.

Conclusion: This study identified key environmental and individual factors influencing xylene exposure in the general population. These findings highlight the importance of mitigating exposure risks through targeted interventions and the need for further research to reduce the potential health effects of xylene exposure.