The Effects of long-term exposure to benzene
The major effect of benzene from long-term (365 days or longer) exposure is on the blood. Benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells leading to anemia. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.
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.
First aid for benzene exposure
If someone gets splashed with liquid benzene on their skin or in their eyes, do the following. Avoid direct contact with the chemical. Wear chemical protective clothing, if necessary. As quickly as possible, flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 20 minutes or until chemical is removed. If benzene has gotten into the victim's eyes, immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20 minutes. Take care not to rinse contamination from one eye into another. Under running water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods such as watchbands and belts. Obtain medical attention immediately. Discard contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods.
Regulation of benzene
If you work at a facilty that handles benzene or other toxic chemicals, make sure your employer is following the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The HCS is a standard developed by the US Department of Labor, Office of Safety and Health Administration and is based on a simple concept--that employees have both a need and a right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to when working. They also need to know what protective measures are available to prevent adverse effects from occurring. The HCS is designed to provide employees with the information they need when working with toxic or otherwise hazardous substances.
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
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
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.