Erin's Aplastic Anemia Forum
Benzene Facts
Benzene is colorless, highly flammable chemical that is
liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor. It
evaporates in air and hangs low, but tends to float on
water. In nature, benzene is produced by forest fires and
volcanoes and is in oil, gas and cigarette smoke. Air
around hazardous waste facilities usually has high levels
of benzene. It is used in making plastics, resins, nylon
and synthetic fibers, some types of lubricants, rubbers,
dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.
Benzene Exposure
Tobacco smoke, gas stations, industrial emissions, motor
vehicle exhaust, indoor products releasing Benzene,
leaking from hazardous waste containment.
Benzene causes the bone marrow to stop working properly.
Immediate Symptoms of Exposure
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Headaches
Tremors
Confusion
Unconsciousness
Irritation of the stomach
Sleepiness
Convulsions
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Death (at very high levels)
Resources
Aussie Benzene fact sheet
Wikipedia
on Benzene
CDC
Emergency Preparedness Facts About Benzene