If you think you may have been exposed to benzene, you should remove your clothing, rapidly wash your entire body with soap and water, and get medical care as quickly as possible. If you are helping other people remove their clothing, try to avoid touching any contaminated areas, and remove the clothing as quickly as possible. Copyright 1997-2021, A.D.A.M., Inc. However, deaths have occurred as long as 3 days after the poisoning. CDC twenty four seven. Benzene can be harmful if it is swallowed, inhaled, or touched. Dial 911 and explain what has happened. Benzene is a clear, liquid, petroleum-based chemical that has a sweet smell. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse your eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. Benzene exposure can cause bone marrow cells to not produce red blood cells or it can can cause the white blood cells of your immune system to fail. Benzene (C6H6) is a highly flammable, colorless liquid that evaporates quickly into the air. Benzene is formed through natural processes, such as volcanoes and forest fires, and is present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Benzene 71-43-2 Hazard Summary Benzene is found in the air from emissions from burning coal and oil, gasoline service stations, and motor vehicle exhaust. Learn more about A.D.A.M. Hydrocarbons. The most common problems are blood diseases, including: People who work with benzene products should only do so in areas with good air flow. When the local or state health department or emergency personnel arrive, tell them what you did with your clothes. Benzene is a clear, liquid, petroleum-based chemical that has a sweet smell. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. This article is for information only. If you wear contacts, remove them after washing your hands and put them with the contaminated clothing. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Rom, Women who breathe high levels of benzene may have irregular menstrual periods and a decrease in the size of the ovaries. Medicines to treat an allergic reaction and other symptoms. They will give you further instructions. No specific antidote exists for benzene poisoning. Benzene is known to cause cancer in humans, according to three different U.S. and international agencies. Benzene poisoning occurs when someone swallows, breathes in, or touches benzene. Avoid touching contaminated areas of the clothing. If you are near a release of benzene, emergency coordinators may tell you to either evacuate the area or to “shelter in place” inside a building to avoid being exposed to the chemical. Benzene poisoning occurs when someone swallows, breathes in, or touches benzene. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A low white blood cell count, which can lower the body’s ability to fight infections and might even be life-threatening. It is highly flammable, and evaporates quickly when exposed to air. While each can have significant health effects, long-term exposure to benzene in the air is most commonly connected with the development of significant diseases later in life. Toxicological profile for benzene. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. 29:220-229. Exposure to benzene has been associated with development of a particular type of leukemia called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The most important thing is for victims to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that benzene causes cancer in humans. Breathing benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion and unconsciousness. Quickly take off clothing that may have benzene on it. Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery. Seek medical help right away. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. It is a member of a class of compounds known as hydrocarbons. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If the victim has been exposed to benzene for one year or more, it can cause bone marrow issues, which leads to loss of red blood cells, excessive bleeding, and compromises to the immune system. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 2004. (Long-term exposure means exposure of a year or more.) The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that benzene is a known carcinogen (can cause cancer). Scelo G, Constantinescu V, Csiki I, Zaridze D, et al. Scand J Work Environ Health. Benzene works by causing cells not to work correctly. If you think your water supply may have benzene in it, drink bottled water until you are sure your water supply is safe. Human exposure to hydrocarbons is a common problem. Washing of the skin may need to be done, perhaps every few hours for several days. Meta-analysis of studies of occupational exposure to vinyl chloride in relation to cancer mortality. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. Myelodysplastic syndromes - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Benzene exposure has been directly linked to several forms of cancer including leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. AML and Benzene Exposure. Vomiting can cause the affected food or fluid to aspirate into the … Do not put the contacts back in your eyes (even if they are not disposable contacts). follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. Regional poison control center: 1-800-222-1222, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Poisoning can cause rapid death. MO- AML without differentiation is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. People working in industries that make or use benzene may be exposed to the highest levels of it. Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly. Studies show benzene exposure can increase the risk of certain cancers by as much as 40 percent. The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Occupational exposure to vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile and styrene and lung cancer risk (Europe). 20th ed. Wang GS, Buchanan JA. Benzene has been found in at least 813 of the 1,430 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Exposure to Benzene can cause leukemia and other blood cancers. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. This happens because: Permanent brain damage occurs; The heart stops; The lungs stop working; People who have regular exposure to low levels of benzene can also become sick. Benzene is also used to make some types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. For example, it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Animal studies have shown low birth weights, delayed bone formation, and bone marrow damage when pregnant animals breathed benzene. Benzene is a petroleum-based industrial solvent that, until rather recently, was also used in after-shave lotions, decaffeinated coffee, unleaded gasoline, and consumer solvents like spot removers and paint strippers. Cancer Causes Control. If the benzene release was outside, move away from the area where the benzene was released. We reviewed articles to clarify the current evidence status for 1) types of cancer which related to benzene exposure, and 2) certain benzene exposure level which might cause the hematopoietic cancers. Theobald JL, Kostic MA. Benzene poisoning through ingestion might cause vomiting, stomach irritation, vertigo and insomnia. The main sources of human exposure to benzene are gasoline and cigarette smoke exposure. ❑ Acute benzene exposure causes CNS depression. Consuming foods or fluids contaminated with high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, stomach irritation, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, and rapid heart rate. This article is for information only. Background: Benzene at high concentrations is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but its relationship with other lymphohematopoietic (LH) cancers … Acute benzene toxicity is characterized by central nervous system depression. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. The benzene metabolites including benzoquinone and mucoaldehyde affect … Benzene is very poisonous. 22. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. The major effect of benzene from long-term exposure is on the blood. The vomit could be sucked into their lungs and damage their lungs. Benzene may be found in: Below are symptoms of benzene poisoning in different parts of the body. It is a member of a class of compounds known as hydrocarbons. Benzene is widely used in the United States. Seek medical attention right away. Consumption of high levels of benzene can lead to vomiting, stomach irritation, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsion, rapid heart rate and death. The health department or emergency personnel will arrange for further disposal. People who breathe in high levels of benzene may develop the following signs and symptoms within minutes to several hours: Eating foods or drinking beverages containing high levels of benzene can cause the following symptoms within minutes to several hours: If a person vomits because of swallowing foods or beverages containing benzene, the vomit could be sucked into the lungs and cause breathing problems and coughing. Benzene exposure can result in a number of neurological symptoms, and these include Exposure to elevated levels of benzene can cause a variety of adverse health effects. Benzene is found in the air we all breathe every day, thanks in large part to cigarette smoke and emissions from cars and factories. Benzene causes anemia, excessive bleeding and damage to the immune system. Any clothing that has to be pulled over the head should be cut off the body instead of pulled over the head. Hematopoietic function of the bone marrow is involved in the production of all blood cells types. If the benzene release was indoors, get out of the building. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Benzene is an organic chemical that is colorless and has a sweet odor. 9th ed. It is harmful to the eyes, skin, airway, nervous system, and lungs. If you wear eyeglasses, wash them with soap and water. If the person breathed in the benzene, move them to fresh air right away. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done How well someone does depends on how much benzene they swallowed and how quickly they receive treatment. First, if the benzene was released into the air, get fresh air by leaving the area where the benzene was released. Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions. Editorial team. Exposure to benzene liquid or … To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. 's editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. If the person swallowed benzene, give them water or milk right away, unless a provider tells you not to. Benzene concentrations of about 20,000 ppm are fatal to humans within 5 to 10 minutes. Human exposure to hydrocarbons is a common problem. If benzene is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. A.D.A.M. Anemia: Long-term exposure to benzene can cause damage to your bone marrow – reducing the production of both red and white blood cells. www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp.asp?id=40&tid=14, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known). Also, it can damage the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells. Do not handle the plastic bags yourself. How benzene works . Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) website. […] benzene poisoning a toxic condition caused by ingestion of benzene, inhalation of benzene fumes, or exposure to benzene-related products such as toluene or xylene, characterized by blurred vision, nausea, headache, dizziness, and incoordination. People may be exposed to benzene in factories, refineries, and other industrial settings. This can result in: Anemia (a low red blood cell count), which can cause a person to feel weak and tired. Research suggests even low-level benzene exposure can greatly increase the risk of leukemia. Benzene is formed from both natural processes and human activities. Its vapor is heavier than air and may sink into low-lying areas. 21. Non-cancer effects of over-exposure to benzene include effects on the respiratory system, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal system, and the kidney. Disposing of your clothing in this way will help protect you and other people from any chemicals that might be on your clothes. The benzene in indoor air comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents. Objective: We documented previously that if study quality is accounted for, evidence from occupational cohort studies on benzene supports a possible association with some lymphoma subtypes, in particular multiple myeloma, and acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Workers may be harmed from exposure to benzene. Here, we extend these analyses to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection. The air around hazardous waste sites or gas stations can contain higher levels of benzene than in other areas. Benzene is a widely used chemical formed from both natural processes and human activities. Poisoning. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Moving to an area with fresh air is a good way to reduce the possibility of death from exposure to benzene in the air. It ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume. If you can’t avoid touching contaminated areas, or you aren’t sure where the contaminated areas are, wear rubber gloves or put the clothing in the bag using tongs, tool handles, sticks, or similar objects. These include vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness. However, deaths have occurred as long as 3 days after the poisoning. While some experts dispute that benzene causes certain types of leukemia, all medical and scientific experts agree that benzene causes AML. A major source of benzene exposure is tobacco smoke. A major source of benzene exposure is tobacco smoke. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Indoor air generally contains levels of benzene higher than those in outdoor air. Five Worst Dangers Of Benzene Exposure August 24, 2017 | Personal Injury. Eating foods or drinking beverages containing high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, irritation of the stomach, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid or irregular heartbeat, death. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Individuals who have experienced benzene poisoning requiring treatment show a substantially "Aplastic anemia caused by bone marrow suppression is the classic cause of death in chronic benzene poisoning. Performing CPR on someone who has swallowed benzene may cause them to vomit. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause leukemia, cancer of the blood-forming organs. DO NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to. , resins, and industrial emissions for more information on evacuation during a chemical,. 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