Gasoline and tobacco smoke also contain traces of this chemical. Benzene is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure to a carcinogen is a potential health hazard. Various diseases ranging from anemia to cancer have been reported in workers and other persons exposed to benzene for long periods. The law provides for compensation for benzene afflicted health effects.

Exposures to benzene can take place through a number of sources. Workers in many industries are exposed to benzene vapors. Spills, leaks, and accidents also occur. Some amount of benzene is present in the atmosphere as by- product of human activity. It's also found in automobile exhausts, cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and hazardous wastes. People living near these industries are also vulnerable to benzene exposures.

Benzene can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin infusion. Short period exposure may be attributed to the following symptoms:

Confusion

Sleepiness

Rapid pulse

Loss of consciousness

Anemia

Damage to the nervous system

Suppression of the immune system

Death may also occur if a large concentration of benzene enters the body due to spills, leaks, or accidents. Long-term exposure may cause:

* Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood

* Secondary Aplastic Anemia

* Damage to the reproductive system

Other types of leukemia and severe anemia are also reported in long-term exposure. Benzene enters the blood stream and gets broken down in the liver leading to formation of harmful metabolites. It affects bone marrow and fatty tissues. It can prevent bone marrow from producing enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. In addition, it can impair the immune system by altering antibody levels in blood and the depletion of white blood cells. The amount, route, and length of time of exposure, as well as the age and preexisting medical condition of the exposed person determines the seriousness of the impact.

As benzene is a potential health hazard, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) monitor levels of benzene. EPA monitors levels in air and water and OSHA looks after occupational health issues of the workers. Removing your clothes, washing your entire body with soap and water, and getting medical care are the immediate steps you need to take if you think that you have been exposed to benzene.

Independent tests carried out in the United States in early 2006, indicate levels of benzene 2-5 times the World Health Organization (WHO) water quality guideline levels of 10 parts per billion (ppb or 0.01 milligrams per liter). There is a growing concern about the rising health hazards of this chemical. OSHA has mandated that exposure levels should be restricted to 1 part of benzene per million parts of air (based on a 40-hour workweek). If these stringent provisions are not followed and general awareness about benzene related health effects are not raised, incidences of people getting sick or dying from exposure to benzene will continue to rise.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Benzene.