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Benzene exposure is common: the EPA estimates 50% of Americans encounter benzene through industrial sources. Benzene exposure also occurs daily in the home due to household products containing benzene: benzene exposure in the house comes from furniture waxes, glues, paints, and detergents. Natural sources of benzene exposure include volcanoes, forest fires, and crude oil. Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene exposure due to tobacco smoke, car exhaust, and service station emissions.
Benzene exposure is heavily regulated by OSHA and the EPA. The current allowable level of benzene exposure is 1 part per million (ppm) in air. Benzene exposure at this level for eight hours at a time, maximum, meets regulations. Shorter-term benzene exposure permits the level of benzene to go up to as much as 5 ppm. Benzene exposure can be indicated by breath and blood tests, but testing must occur soon after exposure. Benzene exposure of the environment can be easily detected using proper monitoring equipment.
The hazards of benzene exposure are clear: research has shown benzene to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Individuals subjected to benzene exposure (over periods of 5 to thirty years) developed, and often died from, leukemia. Long-term benzene exposure may affect bone marrow and blood production, even if cancer does not result. Benzene exposure at high levels over several months causes some women to menstruate irregularly. In addition, benzene exposure in animal studies has caused low birth weights, delayed bone formation, and bone marrow damage. Benzene exposure from contaminated food or water can cause vomiting, stomach irritation, convulsions, and even death.
A recent study conducted by the Conservation Alabama Foundation (CAF) has found that four of Alabama's largest cities contain highly polluted air, including high levels of benzene. Amo...
Texas couple Jan and James Callihan filed a lawsuit against six petrochemical companies, claiming the products the defendants produce and distribute exposed James to unsafe levels of benzene. They allege this exposure is what caused J...
Three-term Houston Mayor Bill White has recently found a creative way to try to force certain industries into making changes that would reduce their excessive benzene emissions – by interfering with the renewal of their operating permits.
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