How do we know benzene causes leukemia?

Benzene has been shown to cause chromosome changes in bone marrow cells in the lab. (The bone marrow is where new blood cells are made.) Such changes are commonly found in human leukemia cells.

How long can you be exposed to benzene?

Brief exposure (5–10 minutes) to very high levels of benzene in air (10,000–20,000 ppm) can result in death. Lower levels (700–3,000 ppm) can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness.

What is the absolute risk of leukemia among those exposed to benzene?

Benzene exposure and the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) A total of 10 study-specific effect estimates yielded a summary-effect estimate of 1.31 (95\% CI, 1.09-1.57).

What health problems can be caused by exposure to benzene?

(Long-term exposure means exposure of a year or more.) Benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.

How do you get exposed to benzene?

How are people exposed to benzene? People are exposed to benzene primarily by breathing air that contains the chemical. Workers in industries that produce or use benzene may be exposed to the highest levels of the chemical, although federal and state regulations have reduced these exposures in recent decades.

How do you test for benzene exposure?

Blood counts of all components of the blood and examination of bone marrow are used to determine benzene exposure and its health effects. For people exposed to relatively high levels of benzene, complete blood analyses can be used to monitor possible changes related to exposure.

How are we exposed to benzene?

Where is benzene found in the home?

In homes, benzene may be found in glues, adhesives, cleaning products, paint strippers, tobacco smoke and gasoline. Most benzene in the environment comes from our use of petroleum products.

What is benzene poisoning?

Benzene poisoning occurs when someone swallows, breathes in, or touches benzene. It is a member of a class of compounds known as hydrocarbons. Human exposure to hydrocarbons is a common problem. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure.

What is benzene commonly found in?

Benzene is a widely used industrial chemical. Benzene is found in crude oil and is a major part of gasoline. It’s used to make plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. Benzene is produced naturally by volcanoes and forest fires.

How poisonous is benzene?

Benzene is very poisonous. Poisoning can cause rapid death. However, deaths have occurred as long as 3 days after the poisoning.

How do I rid my body of benzene?

Instead, try to cut off the clothing and remove it from your body as quickly as possible. Wash yourself and your skin with warm soap and water. Flush out any benzene that might be in the mouth or eyes for at least fifteen minutes.