Even small amounts of benzene exposure can lower your white blood cell count according to a new study published to day in the journal, 'Science.' The study determined that benzene levels deemed 'permissible' by U.S. government standards still resulted in a significant loss of white blood cells in workers. The government now deems one part per million as acceptable for workers.

The study examined 250 shoe factory workers in China who were regularly exposed to different levels of benzene. The exposure was measured and it was determined that even workers who were exposed to less than 1 part per million of benzene still had white blood cell counts that were 15 percent lower than workers who were not exposed to the chemical. If the level went above 10 ppm, the workers studied had an even more significant reduction in white blood cell count.

Researchers hope that this study can help with leukemia research. Bone marrow, the place in the body where white blood cells are produced, is affected by benzene exposure.