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Benzene: What is it?
 Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Benzene
evaporates into the air very quickly and dissolves slightly in
water. It is highly flammable and is formed from both natural
processes and human activities. Benzene is a natural part of
crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Benzene products and
close relatives include:
What Are the Health Hazards?
Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure has caused various
disorders in the blood, including reduced numbers of red blood
cells and aplastic anemia. Increased incidence of leukemia
(cancer of the tissues that form white blood cells) have been
observed in humans occupationally exposed to benzene. These
diseases and disorders include Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
(AML), Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Lymphoma, and
Aplastic Anemia. The EPA has
classified benzene as a Group A, human carcinogen.
Who is at Risk?
Almost 300,000 people per year are exposed to benzene in the
workplace.
Benzene exposure is responsible for over 10,000 deaths per
year in the United States alone. In the US, benzene ranks in
the top 20 chemicals for production volume and is #6 on the
CERCLA Hazardous Substance List.
People working with petroleum solvents containing benzene are
at greatest risk, because benzene remains in use in most
petroleum solvents. By using the solvent ,workers may come
into contact by breathing it into their lungs or may absorb it
through their skin when applying the solvent.
There is potential for exposure in the following industries:
Benzene is a common ingredient in the following products:
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Adhesives
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Asphalts
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Calibrating Fluid
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Charcoal Lighter
Fluid
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Cigarette Lighter Fluid
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Contact Cements
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Gasoline
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Glues
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Kerosene
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Hydraulic Fluids
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Inks and Ink Markers
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Lacquer Thinner
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Pesticides
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Penetrating Oils
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Processing Film
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Rubber Cement
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Solvents
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Vinyl Thinner
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If you think you’ve been exposed...
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Stop smoking
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Get regular health checkups.
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Get prompt medical attention.
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Use all protective equipment, work practices and safety
procedures designed
for working around benzene.
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