Benzene (C6H6) is a colorless gas with a slight sweet smell. There are various usages of Benzene and is used in different products including detergents, paints, solvents and many more. It is also found in smoke of the cigarette and the petroleum industry.
Benzene is exposed to many people in different forms every day. It can be dangerous for people who are exposed to this gas for longer periods or times or at high levels. Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has categorized Benzene as Class A Carcinogenic. Even though, Benzene is naturally found in the environment, but the major threat from Benzene comes from the manmade products.
Benzene can be exposed from a number of sources. People who work with chemical are at greatest risk of exposure. This includes refinery workers, chemical workers, rubber workers, printers, press workers, painters, leather workers and gasoline distributors.
Benzene can cause number of health disorders and linked to different types of leukemia and many other illnesses. Besides skin problems, blood disorders and respiratory problems, the cancers that are linked to Benzene are as follows:
- Hodgkin's Disease
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
- Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)
SYMPTOMS OF BENZENE EXPOSURE
The symptoms of benzene exposure may vary, and the time also varies for these symptoms to develop. Some reactions to Benzene instant have immediate effect while other symptoms can take decades to show after the exposure.
Some of the issues associated with symptoms of Benzene exposure are that they aren’t specific and often they resemble the flu. One may experience weakness, fatigue, weight loss, swollen glands or abdominal swelling and pain. You may also experience unusual bleeding and excessive bruising.
Because of unclear symptoms and dangers associated with Benzene exposure, it is really important for you to contact your family doctor. Advising your doctor for any type of exposure will help in properly diagnosing any signs of sickness in the future.
Some of the effects of Benzene exposure including both acute and chronic are as follows:
Acute Exposure
Neurological symptoms can be caused by Benzene exposure which includes drowsiness, dizziness, loss of consciousness and headaches. Large doses of Benzene may result in dizziness, convulsions, vomiting, and can also lead to death.
Skin exposure to Benzene can result in blistering and reddening of the skin. Irritation to the eyes and respiratory problems can be caused by the liquid or vapor exposure of Benzene. Depending on the exposure type, acute levels of the toxins can vary.
Cancer
Cancer can be developed in people who are highly exposed to Benzene or on regular basis. It is also linked to increased risk of leukemia. Some other cancers that are associated with this chemical are chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), Hodgkin's disease , acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL).
Chronic Exposure
Benzene exposure on long term basis can cause blood disorders and can also affect the tissues that are responsible for the production of blood cells (bone marrow). Some problems that can develop due to chronic exposure include immune system deficiencies, aplastic anemia, and excessive bleeding.
Other Effects
Benzene can also cause many other illnesses. For instance, women that are exposed to benzene are found to be suffering in the decreasing size of the ovaries and menstrual problems.
Benzene exposure can have some side effects such as fatigue; abnormal bleeding; body ache; excessive bruising; abdominal pain or discomfort; weight loss; weakness; infection and fever; reduced tolerance to exercise; bone or joint pain; enlarged spleen, lymph nodes, and liver.
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