How to Measure Benzene Exposures

Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is one of the 20 most widely used chemicals in this country. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits workers' exposure to benzene to 1 part per million over an eight-hour shift or up to 5 parts per million over a 15-minute time period. Blood, breath and urine tests can measure the level of benzene exposure. These tests can be performed at your doctor's office. However, they are not 100 percent accurate.

Instructions

• 1

  Have a medical practitioner draw a blood sample. Low levels of benzene can be found in blood. Blood work must be run shortly after exposure for the most accurate results, because benzene quickly breaks down in the blood. Benzene exposure has been linked to leukemia and other blood-related illnesses, including anemia, low white blood cell count and low platelet count. A complete blood analysis can not only monitor benzene exposure but its adverse health effects.

• 2

  Have a medical practitioner perform a breath test. Inhaling contaminated air is the primary route of benzene exposure. Breathing in high doses of benzene affects the nervous system, leading to drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, tremors, confusion, unconsciousness and death. Breath tests must be done shortly after exposure. They are not helpful for detecting low levels of benzene, because benzene leaves the body quickly.

• 3

  Have a medical practitioner take a urine sample. Urine tests are most reliable for measuring levels of benzene exposure. Benzene breaks down into metabolites, such as phenol. A urine phenol test measures the level of benzene exposure. This test must be done shortly after exposure. However, it is not a reliable indicator because phenol comes from sources other than benzene. Most benzene metabolites leave the body in the urine within 48 hours.