Benzene Tips
When it comes to Benzene, we've been there, done that, now serving 50 tips in 7 categories ranging from Benzene Lawsuits to Uses of Benzene.
The Effects of long-term exposure to benzene
Benzene is used in the manufacture of plastics, detergents, pesticides, and other chemicals. Research has shown benzene to be a carcinogen (cancer causing). With exposures from less than five years to more than 30 years, individuals have developed, and died from, leukemia. Long-term exposure may affect bone marrow and blood production. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, and death.
About benzene
Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It evaporates into the air very quickly and dissolves slightly in water. It is highly flammable and is formed from both natural processes and human activities. Benzene is widely used in the United States; it ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume. Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals which are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.
Risks of exposure to benzene
Exposure to benzene at levels of 500 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If there is the possibility of exposure to benzene at these levels, NIOSH standards require the use of an approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in a positive-pressure mode.
Regulation of benzene
According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the possiblity of benzene exposure exceeding 0.1 ppm requires the use of a full pacepiece supplied air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Regulation of benzene
Twenty-six states have their own Occupational Safety and Health Administration or "OSHA" programs. These OSHA-approved State Plan programs set standards which are "at least as effective as" Federal OSHA standards for many safety issues including handling and exposure to dangerous chemicals such as benzene. State plans provide assistance and extend their authority to most private sector and all public sector ( state and local government ) employers and employees in those States, including first and second responders. Visit State Occupational Safety and Health Plans to verify your state's status and search for standards that may apply to you.
Risks of exposure to benzene
The risk of exposure to benzene means that manufacturers and chemical companies should exercise extreme caution with regards to employees working with this chemical. However, this has not been done in many cases, and as a result of this negligence many people have suffered ill health. Those handling and working with this chemical should be provided with all necessary safety equipment and protection by their employers. However, it is already too late for many, and because benzene exposure related diseases can have a long latency period of several decades in some cases some people may be unaware that they have been affected.
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| Patricia Walters-Fischer |
