Benzene is a colorless, sweet smelling, highly combustible
liquid that is extensively used in chemical industries and
other manufacturing industries like rubber, plastics, paints,
resins, drugs, pesticides, and synthetic products.

Gasoline and tobacco smoke also contain traces of this
chemical. Benzene is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure to
a carcinogen is a potential health hazard. Various diseases
ranging from anemia to cancer have been reported in workers and
other persons exposed to benzene for long periods. The law
provides for compensation for benzene afflicted health effects.


Exposures to benzene can take place through a number of
sources. Workers in many industries are exposed to benzene
vapors. Spills, leaks, and accidents also occur. Some amount of
benzene is present in the atmosphere as by- product of human
activity. It's also found in automobile exhausts, cigarette
smoke, paint fumes, and hazardous wastes. People living near
these industries are also vulnerable to benzene exposures.

Benzene can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or
skin infusion. Short period exposure may be attributed to the
following symptoms:

Confusion
Sleepiness
Rapid pulse
Loss of consciousness
Anemia
Damage to the nervous system
Suppression of the immune system

Death may also occur if a large concentration of benzene enters
the body due to spills, leaks, or accidents. Long-term exposure
may cause:

* Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the
blood

* Secondary Aplastic Anemia

* Damage to the reproductive system

Other types of leukemia and severe anemia are also reported in
long-term exposure. Benzene enters the blood stream and gets
broken down in the liver leading to formation of harmful
metabolites. It affects bone marrow and fatty tissues. It can
prevent bone marrow from producing enough red blood cells,
which can lead to anemia. In addition, it can impair the immune
system by altering antibody levels in blood and the depletion of
white blood cells. The amount, route, and length of time of
exposure, as well as the age and preexisting medical condition
of the exposed person determines the seriousness of the impact.


As benzene is a potential health hazard, the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), and the Occupational Health and Safety
Administration (OSHA) monitor levels of benzene. EPA monitors
levels in air and water and OSHA looks after occupational
health issues of the workers. Removing your clothes, washing
your entire body with soap and water, and getting medical care
are the immediate steps you need to take if you think that you
have been exposed to benzene.

Independent tests carried out in the United States in early
2006, indicate levels of benzene 2-5 times the World Health
Organization (WHO) water quality guideline levels of 10 parts
per billion (ppb or 0.01 milligrams per liter). There is a
growing concern about the rising health hazards of this
chemical. OSHA has mandated that exposure levels should be
restricted to 1 part of benzene per million parts of air (based
on a 40-hour workweek). If these stringent provisions are not
followed and general awareness about benzene related health
effects are not raised, incidences of people getting sick or
dying from exposure to benzene will continue to rise.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be
interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk
to a qualified professional for more information about Benzene.


About The Author: Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more
Benzene resources at: http://www.benzene-center.info and
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