The Effects of long-term exposure to benzene

Some women who breathed high levels of benzene for many months had irregular menstrual periods and a decrease in the size of their ovaries. It is not known whether benzene exposure affects the developing fetus in pregnant women or fertility in men. Animal studies have shown low birth weights, delayed bone formation, and bone marrow damage when pregnant animals breathed benzene.

Testing for benzene

There are tests for exposure to benzene, however, they are only useful for determining short-term exposures. Several tests can show if you have been exposed to benzene. There is a test for measuring benzene in the breath; this test must be done shortly after exposure. Benzene can also be measured in the blood. Again, however, measurements are accurate only for recent exposures since benzene disappears rapidly from the blood.

Symptoms of exposure to benzene

Due to the dangers and non-specific symptoms of benzene exposure, it is important that you contact your physician and let him or her know if you are concerned. Even if you have not displayed any of these symptoms, it is still worth letting your doctor know of any exposure so that he or she can make a more informed decision should you display any signs of illness. You doctor can also arrange for diagnostic testing, such as blood tests to check for any blood abnormalities.

Risks of exposure to benzene

Most people are exposed to benzene in some form almost every day of their lives. However, this chemical can have deadly effects on those that are exposed to it for long periods of time or in high levels. In fact, Benzene has been classified as a Class A carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. Exposure to Benzene is thought to be partly responsible for the rise in cases of leukaemia amongst both children and adults.

Risks of exposure to benzene

People working with benzene, such as those involved in the manufacture of Benzene products, are at particularly high risk of dangerous levels of exposure, as they are more likely to be exposed to the chemical for longer periods and at higher levels than other people. Where Benzene is concerned, "long term exposure" is considered as twelve months or more.

Regulation of benzene

The results of a 1995 study finding higher than expected levels of benzene in Anchorage, Alaska homes has led to a grant for further research. The University of Washington and the Municipal Department of Health and Human Services have accepted the grant for a study the indoor air in Anchorage homes with attached garages. The study will involve air samples from 50 homes, in an effort to understand the way that air moves from attached garages into the living areas of houses.

Regulation of benzene

Exposure to benzene is controlled by limiting evaporation and preventing splashes and spills. Where exposures may occur, the preferred controls, are engineering controls such as the use of hoods, canopies, and proper ventilation coordinated with the use of personal protective equipment. For instances where engineering controls are not feasible, respirators and similar personal protective equipment may be used.

Symptoms of exposure to high levels of benzene

Exposure to large amounts of benzene can cause serious illness. If you are in a situation where someone has been exposed to large quantities of benzene, remember that this product is flammable, so remove any sources of ignition. Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue. Wear appropriate protective equipment. Remove the source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, trained personnel should begin artificial respiration or, if the heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Obtain medical attention immediately.

How benzene gets into the environment

Benzene gets into the environment in a number of ways. Industrial processes are the main source of benzene in the environment. It can pass into the air from water and soil. Likewise, benzene in the air can attach to rain or snow and be carried back down to the ground. It breaks down more slowly in water and soil, and can pass through the soil into underground water. Benzene does not build up in plants or animals.

Testing for benzene

One test for benzene exposure depends on substances called metabolites. In the body, benzene is converted to metabolites. Certain metabolites can be measured in the urine. However, this test must be done shortly after exposure and is not a reliable indicator of how much benzene you have been exposed to, since the metabolites may be present in urine from other sources.

Risks of exposure to benzene

A study found that new cars contain vinyl and plastic materials that emit gases containing benzene. This benzene exposure is characterized by that "new car smell". Commuters driving in polluted cities may think that using the air conditioning instead of opening the windows to pollution is a better health measure. In fact, "it's about two to ten times more polluted inside a vehicle on a congested freeway or a major street," according to Mel Zeldin of the North Carolina Air Quality Management District.

Symptoms of exposure to benzene

One of the problems associated with the symptoms of benzene exposure is that they are non-specific symptoms, which can often resemble flu. You may experience fatigue, weakness, weight loss, joint pain, fever, infection, abdominal swelling and pains, and swollen glands. You may also experience abnormal bleeding and excessive bruising.

Risks of exposure to benzene

If you can smell benzene, there's probably too much of it in the air. For most people, the “odor threshold” for benzene is about 61 ppm (parts per million). However, most standards for airborne exposure to benzene are about 10 ppm.

Risks of exposure to benzene

Longer term exposure to benzene can result in haematological problems in humans, and can affect the tissue that is responsible for producing blood cells, known as the bone marrow. Some of the problems that can develop include excessive bleeding, immune system deficiencies, and aplastic anemia. Chromosomal problems can arise from chronic inhalation of benzene.

Risks of exposure to benzene

Dermal exposure to benzene can result in reddening and blistering of the skin, and exposure to vapor and liquid form can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and can also result in respiratory problems. Acute toxicity levels can vary depending on the method of exposure, and this has been prove through animal testing. Tests have shown that ingestion and dermal exposure can result in moderate acute toxicity, whereas inhalation can result in low acute toxicity.

The Effects of exposure to benzene

The symptoms of benzene exposure can differ, and the time that it takes for these symptoms to develop also varies. Some reactions to benzene can be immediate, such as central nervous system toxicity. However, other symptoms have a long latency period and may not show for several decades following exposure. Exposure to benzene has resulted in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, aplastic anaemia and various types of leukaemia.

How benzene gets into the environment

When most people think of being exposed to toxic chemicals, they think of industrial sources. In the case of benzene, there is some truth to this. Leakage from underground storage tanks or from hazardous waste sites containing benzene can result in benzene contamination of well water. People working in industries that make or use benzene may be exposed to the highest levels of it. However, a major source of benzene exposure is tobacco smoke.

Risks of exposure to benzene

Females that have been occupationally exposed to this chemical have been found to suffer a decrease in the size of the ovaries as well as menstrual problems. Some studies, although not yet conclusive, have also suggested that the high level exposure to the chemical could also affect fertility in women. In animal tests, pregnant animals that were exposed to benzene via inhalation sustained fetus damage including low birth weight, bone marrow problems, and problems with bone formation.

Risks of exposure to benzene

Workplace exposure to benzene has steadily increased in correlation to the chemical's increased use and production. During 1967, there were about 800 million gallons of benzene produced in the U.S., and by 1969, the amount of benzene increased to 1,185 million gallons with approximately 16% of the productions derived from coal. Over 3 million people in the workplace experience exposure to the human carcinogen benzene every year despite the workplace standards that have been enacted over the years.