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THE SIMPLE FACTSTM...Benzene is a clear, colorless aromatic liquid that is highly flammable and is used in many industries, including, the petroleum industry, the petrochemical industry, the steel industry, the industrial chemical industry, the alkalies manufacturing industry and by the chlorine manufacturers.
Workers employed in industries using or producing benzene (i.e., petrochemical companies; petroleum refining and coke and coal chemical manufacturing; rubber tire manufacturing; and companies involved in the storage or transport of benzene and petroleum products containing benzene) have the greatest likelihood of exposure. Another use of benzene is as a solvent in printing, paints, and dry cleaning. Exposure to benzene has been linked to blood disorders like leukemia.
OSHA ACTION
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that approximately 238,000 workers in the United States may be exposed to benzene during refining operations; gasoline storage, shipment, and retail operations; chemical manufacturing; and plastics and rubber manufacturing.
In addition, it has been reported that tank truck drivers and able bodied seamen on tanker vessels and ships have been exposed to unsafe levels of airborne benzene laden chemicals. In particular, several Able Bodied Seamen have been exposed to unsafe levels of benzene while performing their jobs - cleaning tanks or unloading cargo for their employer, and, have subsequently developed serious health problems.
Benzene is used as a building block for making plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Other uses include: as a solvent in printing, paints, dry cleaning, etc. Benzene may be used under a variety of trade names, including: Benzol 90, Pyrobenzol, Polystream, Coal naphtha, Phene.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services classifies Benzene as carcinogenic. Breathing very high levels of benzene can result in death. Some signs of exposure to Benzene may include drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness.
In addition, eating or drinking foods containing high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, irritation of the stomach, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid heart rate, and death. It has been reported that a major effect of benzene from long-term exposure is on the blood.
Benzene may cause harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells leading to anemia. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection. It does not appear that there is a specific antidote or medication for benzene poisoning. The most important thing is for victims to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
For more information on Benzene exposure, click here.
In any event, if you work or worked in any one of the above-referenced industries, believe you may have been exposed to high levels of benzene and have experienced any of the above-listed symptoms, please immediately consult your doctor about any health issues or questions you may have.
Quite frankly, the simple factsTM about the carcinogen Benzene and the possible injuries, including blood disorders - leukemia, Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), Secondary aplastic anemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML); Myelodysplasia; Myelodysplastic syndrome or Non-hodkins lymphoma - that may be caused from exposure to Benzene are unacceptable.
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