In all
likelihood, you will encounter the chemical benzene today. It is present
in the air largely as a pollutant from manufacturing and motor vehicle
exhaust. Many manufacturing processes involve benzene including the
production detergents, medicines, synthetic fabrics and dyes. Cigarette
smoke also contains benzene. In addition to polluting the air, benzene
can also contaminate water supplies and the soil. Benzene enters the
body through inhalation of the vapors, absorption through the skin or
ingestion. The adverse health effects of benzene depend on the route,
duration and dose of your exposure.
Poisoning
Accidental or
intentional ingestion of benzene causes acute poisoning. Benzene is
rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and travels to the brain with
devastating effects. Stupor, delirium, and drowsiness give way to
seizures and coma. Fluid accumulates in the lungs compromising
breathing; there is poor oxygen absorption from the air. Intensive
treatment is necessary to prevent death.
Inhalation Injuries
Benzene irritates
the linings of the airways. Exposure to low concentration benzene
vapors can cause inflammation of the nasal airways and throat.
High-level exposure can severely damage the lungs causing fluid
accumulation and bleeding, which is often fatal. Accidental and
potentially life-threatening benzene inhalation injuries can occur in
people who practice huffing--inhaling the vapors of chemical products to
induce a recreational high.
Skin Disorders
Benzene is
harmful to the skin. Exposure to low levels of benzene vapors may cause
dermatitis--a local skin reaction characterized by dry, itchy, red skin.
Highly concentrated benzene vapors or spills of liquid benzene on the
skin can cause second-degree burns.
Headaches and Neurological Problems
Headaches, sleep
disturbances, irritability, confusion, memory loss and nerve damage in
the extremities (arms and legs) may occur with persistent exposure to
benzene vapors. Short-term exposure to highly concentrated benzene
vapors may cause decreased consciousness, stupor, seizures, coma and
possibly death.
Pancytopenia
Chronic exposure
to benzene can cause a serious bone marrow disorder called pancytopenia.
A marked reduction in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells
and platelets occurs because the bone marrow--the site of all blood cell
and platelet production--cannot produce sufficient quantities.
Pancytopenia causes chronic anemia and increases risk for serious
infections. The low platelet count may cause uncontrolled bleeding.
Aplastic Anemia
Chronic benzene
exposure may cause aplastic anemia, which is a more advanced form of
pancytopenia. With this disorder, the bone marrow is so severely damaged
that blood cell and platelet production drop to levels too low to
sustain life. Transfusions are necessary to replace the blood cells not
produced by the bone marrow. Bone marrow transplant is generally the
best option for long-term survival with aplastic anemia.
Leukemia
Protracted
occupational or other exposure to benzene may cause leukemia--cancer of
the white blood cells. The strongest association is with acute
myelogenous leukemia followed by chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Regulations are now in place in the U.S. to control benzene exposure in
the workplace and prevent occupationally induced leukemias.
