Benzene Poisoning

As long as we breathe, benzene poisoning will remain a potential threat to the health of Americans. The colorless, odorless chemical has recently been found in increasing quantities, after a 2002 FDA study discovered a 5% increase in the amount of toxic chemicals in the air nationwide. With benzene ranking in the top 20 chemicals produced in the U.S. and identified as one of the most dangerous air pollutants, the likelihood of benzene poisoning and its health hazards is higher than ever.

Benzene poisoning occurs primarily through the inhalation of its airborne vapors. Acute benzene poisoning is an exposure to a high level of benzene in a short period of time, generally in an enclosed space. Acute benzene poisoning affects the central nervous system with symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and incoherent speech. Acute benzene poisoning can also result from contaminated food and water, inducing symptoms of vomiting, stomach irritation, convulsions and even death.

Chronic benzene poisoning, a more common industrial form, is an exposure to a low level of benzene over an extended period of time. This form of benzene poisoning potentially affects an estimated 3 million workers who are exposed to benzene each year, despite the rigid environmental regulations imposed on the workplace. The symptoms of chronic benzene poisoning are vague and deceptive, taking the form of tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. But over time, chronic benzene poisoning is serious and life-threatening, linked by numerous studies to the development of leukemia and other fatal diseases that attack the immune system.

The threat of benzene poisoning is always present in our environment due to its numerous sources. Benzene is a carcinogenic compound that is used in the production of commonplace items such as drugs, plastics, gasoline, synthetic rubber, and dyes. Outdoor air generally contains low levels of benzene emitted mostly by tobacco smoke, automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles and industrial production facilities. The air indoors generally contains higher levels of benzene from the use of common household products that contain it such as glues, paints, furniture wax and detergents.

Federal agencies such as OSHA and the FDA have attempted to curb chance of benzene poisoning by imposing rigid clean air standards. In the workplace, OSHA has set the level of permissible benzene exposure at 1 part per million (ppm) while the maximum level at any time may not rise above 5 ppm. Blood and breath tests can be administered to check for benzene poisoning soon after a possible contamination, and simple devices can detect benzene levels in the air.

Benzene Breaking News

"Unsafe Benzene Exposure in Alabama"

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...

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"Petrochem Companies' Products Contact Benzene"

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...

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"Mayor of Houston to Fight Benzene Emissions"

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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Benzene Poisoning

Benzene Breaking News

"Unsafe Benzene Exposure in Alabama"

"Petrochem Companies' Products Contact Benzene"

"Mayor of Houston to Fight Benzene Emissions"

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