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Benzene & Multiple Myeloma

Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon chemical compound. It has been used in many industries--such as in the manufacturing of rubber, leather articles, enamels, batteries, waterproof fabrics, paint removers, lacquers, silvering, bronzing and gilding liquids as well as in electroplating, photography, dry cleaning and lithography. Benzene is also extensively used in the airplane, celluloid and linoleum industries. In addition, petroleum products include benzene in variable amounts.

  1. Characteristics

    • Benzene is a volatile organic compound, so it can be easily absorbed by inhalation or through the skin. Benzene may be found in gasoline, automobile emissions and even cigarette smoke. Benzene may target organs such as the liver, kidney, lung, heart and brain. It is metabolized mainly in the liver by cytochrome enzyme systems.

    Multiple Myeloma

    • Multiple myeloma is a type of malignant (cancerous) condition originating from the lymphoid and hematological system of body. It is a neoplasm of plasma cells, a special type of cells in blood that produce antibody and are derived from B lymphocytes, which are located primarily in the bone marrow. In this disease, there is production of monoclonal (derived from same type) proteins in the form of parts of antibodies. The tumor is diffusely present in bone marrow, but it may also be found in some extra medullary (outside the bone marrow) sites. This tumor has been found to develop because of somatic mutation in plasma cells that causes its uncontrolled proliferation.

    Relationship

    • It was initially found that exposure to hydrocarbon compounds containing benzene results in more chances of occurrence of acute myeloid leukemia (a type of blood cancer). Since then, the effect of this chemical has been studied for its causative role in other types of cancers. Many case reports and case series studies also have clearly implicated benzene in causing multiple myeloma.

    Occupational Exposure of Benzene

    • Since 1970s, researchers have worked to find out the relation between the occupational exposure of benzene and chances of occurrence of multiple myeloma in exposed workers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended that benzene exposure to the workers should be less than 1 part per million. But a significant portion of population residing in areas nearby to industrial sectors in developed nations might be still getting exposed to benzene and its derivative at a higher level than the safe limits recommended.

    Precautions

    • Considering benzene exposure as a risk factor for multiple myeloma, appropriate measures should be taken to decrease the exposure of workers and even the general population to this harmful yet very useful chemical compound.

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