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What Are the Dangers of Benzene Fumes?

Benzene is among the top 20 chemicals used in the United States and is widely used to make other chemicals or to produce drugs, detergents, pesticides and rubber. Benzene exposure can result in mild short-term symptoms or possible long-term health problems. The chemical disables your body's cells from functioning properly. The seriousness of benzene-related complications varies according to the amount of exposure and general health of the exposed person.

  1. Immediate Symptoms of Exposure

    • According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, immediate signs of exposure to high levels of benzene may emerge within minutes or hours. Symptoms may include dizziness, drowsiness, abnormal heartbeat, headache, confusion, tremors, loss of consciousness and death. Symptoms of ingesting high levels of benzene include vomiting, abnormal heartbeat, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, drowsiness, convulsions and death. Vomiting after benzene exposure may result in particulates entering the lungs and resulting in coughing or breathing difficulties. Symptoms of exposure to the lungs, skin or eyes may include irritation and tissue injury.

    Damage to Blood Cells

    • Benzene has a major effect on blood cells. Exposure spanning one year or longer can result in abnormalities in the bone marrow, a decrease in white blood cells and reduced levels of red blood cells. This may result in decreased immune function and difficulty in fighting infection (because of the low white blood cell levels) or anemia (which is characterized by a diminished ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen).

    Potential Reproductive Damage

    • According to the CDC, the effects of benzene exposure on pregnant women are unknown as is the effect of benzene exposure on male fertility. Women exposed to high levels of benzene in the air experienced irregular menstruation and decreased ovarian size. Additionally, studies on pregnant animals reveal low birth weight, damage to bone marrow and delayed bone formation. According to the American Cancer Society, there may be evidence that benzene can affect reproductive organs.

    Cancer

    • According to the American Cancer Society, high levels of exposure to benzene have been linked to increased cancer risk. The risk of developing leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia or chronic lymphocytic leukemia is increased after long-term high levels of benzene exposure. The National Toxicology Program, which evaluates potential carcinogens, lists benzene as a "known carcinogen." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also examines potential cancer-causing agents and classifies benzene as a "Group A" chemical or a "known carcinogen."

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