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The Effects of Benzene

Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor that occurs in crude oil naturally as well as refined gasoline. It is a solvent that is used in paint removers, paint and adhesives. Benzene is also present in tobacco smoke. The chemical is a carcinogen, and exposure occurs at gas station pumps and through secondhand tobacco smoke.

  1. Inhalation Effects

    • Benzene is an inhaled health hazard primarily, according to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Acute inhalation of benzene causes dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, heart rate increase and tremors. Benzene exposure may also lead to unconsciousness or death. These effects occur after severe exposures to benzene.

      The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the use of benzene in the workplace; it places a limit of one part per million exposure on employees over the course of an eight-hour workday, according to the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.

      Those who have inhaled benzene should be moved to fresh air and given artificial respiration if breathing has stopped. Those who are experiencing difficulty breathing receive oxygen, according to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

    Skin Contact Effects

    • Benzene contact on the skin produces redness, skin irritation and sores. After an exposure of the skin to benzene, remove clothing that is contaminated with benzene and flush the affected area for 15 minutes with large amounts of water, according to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Contact a doctor immediately.

    Ingestion Effects

    • Ingestion of benzene in food or water may cause stomach irritation, sleepiness, convulsions, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and/or death, according to the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing Environmental Health Education Center. Emergency procedures for the ingestion of benzene include washing out the mouth with water and calling emergency services or poison control immediately, according to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

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