<p>Occupational exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds in healthcare waste management presents significant health risks. This study evaluates the concentrations of BTEX in the indoor air and urine of healthcare waste (HCW) treatment workers. Air samples were collected using an SKC personal sampling pump with sorbent tubes, following NIOSH guideline 1501. Urine samples were processed, extracted with n-hexane, and analyzed by GC–MS. Airborne BTEX levels in autoclave units ranged from 9.08 to 34.97&#xa0;µg/m³, significantly exceeding those in non-exposed administrative areas. Similarly, urinary BTEX concentrations among autoclave operators ranged from 2.12 to 6.70&#xa0;µg/L, higher than in the control group. Facilities processing large volumes of infectious waste or employing shredding autoclaves exhibited elevated BTEX levels. Smoking was identified as a significant contributor to exposure, while personal protective equipment (e.g., N95 masks) was insufficient in mitigating risk. This study provides a novel assessment of BTEX concentrations in air and urine, offering valuable insights into the correlation between external exposure and internal absorption. The findings emphasize the serious health risks of BTEX exposure in healthcare environments and call for improved workplace safety measures and advanced protective technologies.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>