Benzene: Health effects
Description
This depends on how much benzene you have been exposed to, for how long, and your current state of health. In certain circumstances, even a brief exposure to very high levels of benzene can result in death. Worksafe Australia classifies benzene as a toxic health hazard, listing its concentration cut off level at 0.10% weight/weight. Exposure can result in symptoms such as skin and eye irritations, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and vomiting. Benzene is carcinogenic and long-term exposure at various levels can affect normal blood production and can be harmful to the immune system. It can cause Leukaemia (cancer of the tissues that form white blood cells) and has also been linked with birth defects in animals and humans.
Entering the body
Benzene evaporates very quickly and so the most common exposure is from breathing air containing benzene. Very small amounts are found in some foods such as canned beef and if drinking water has been contaminated. While benzene is poorly absorbed by the skin, it can enter the skin in this way, with potentially dangerous contact being with products such as petrol.
Exposure
Most people are exposed outdoors to low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke and car exhaust. Smoking cigarettes and passive smoking, especially indoors, increases the intake of benzene to higher levels. People living near industries that produce or use benzene, or near freeways may also be exposed to higher levels in the surrounding air.
Health guidelines
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC and ARMCANZ , 1996):
Maximum of 0.001 mg/L (i.e. 0.000001 g/L)
Key
Links to an another web site
Opens a pop-up window
