Benzene exposure is wide spread in the US. More then 300,000
people each year are exposed to the chemical. Benzene exposure is responsible for over 10,000 deaths per year in the US alone.
It ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume, despite being listed as #6 on the CERCLA Hazardous Substance List.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) lists benzene as
a known human carcinogen. Long–term benzene exposure at high levels has been known to cause leukemia, a cancer
of the blood–forming organs. Exposure can also harm bone marrow and interfere with blood cell production,
which results in anemia.
Benzene exposure symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
- Leukemia (cancer)
- Damage to Bone Marrow
- Anemia
- Death
What Is Benzene?
Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor that
can be formed from both natural processes and human activities. The chemical evaporates into air very quickly and can
dissolve slightly in water. Benzene is a highly flammable chemical.
Industries use benzene to manufacture other chemicals,
plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers. Benzene is used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents,
drugs, and pesticides.
Benzene Exposure: Who Is At Risk?
Benzene exposure problems are notorious in industrial
workers who make or use benzene.
Workers who are frequently exposed to benzene
include: adhesive production workers, barge/ship workers, chemical plant workers, dock workers,
gasoline distribution, industrial plant workers, newspaper press workers, offshore and oil workers, painters, paper and pulp,
pesticide manufacturing, pipefitters, printers, refinery workers, rubber workers, shoe & leather workers, synthetic rubber
production, tankermen and truck drivers.
