Benzene Health Effects

Benzene is used widely in industry even though it can be harmful to humans. Exposure to benzene can produce a range of negative health effects, varying in severity and seriousness. The most dangerous health risks typically affect people who are exposed to it over long periods of time.

Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Benzene

People who are exposed to benzene for short periods of time may experience the following health effects, depending largely on how much benzene enters the body:

• Confusion
• Sleepiness
• Rapid pulse
• Loss of consciousness
• Anemia
• Damage to the nervous system
• Suppression of the immune system
• Death

People who are exposed to high levels of benzene should seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible.

Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Benzene

People who live or work near manufacturing facilities that use benzene are the most likely to have long-term exposure to the dangerous chemical. Following is a list of possible health effects from long-term exposure to benzene:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood
• Secondary Aplastic Anemia
• Damage to the reproductive system

Long-term exposure to benzene can also cause other types of leukemia and severe anemia.

How Benzene Causes Harm

Benzene usually enters the body in one of three ways: skin contact, consumption of tainted water or food, or inhalation. Inside the body, benzene enters the bloodstream and is carried into the bone marrow and fatty tissues. Eventually it passes through the liver, where it is broken down. As a result, harmful metabolites are formed. Some of the health problems caused by benzene exposure are due to the presence of metabolites in the body.

• Benzene Associated Diseases
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