Benzene poisoning

Irritation of exposed tissue bone marrow suppression 

Source Industrial, motor fuels, paint removers 

Abdomen - pain Appetite - decreased Bowel movements - diarrhea Breathing, rate - increased (tachypnea) 

Consciousness - loss, prolonged (coma) [2] Consciousness - loss, sudden (syncope) [2] 

Noncardiac pulmonary edema Renal Failure Respiratory failure 

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Aplastic anemia and leukemia are not the only health effects ascribed to benzene exposure. A number of recent studies have associated benzene exposure with chromosomal changes (aberrations) (118). Other studies have shown abnormalities in porphyrin metabolism and decrease in leucocyte alkaline phosphatase activity in apparendy healthy workers exposed to 10—20 ppm benzene (119,120). Increases in leukoagglutinins, as well as increases in blood fibrinolytic activity, have also been reported and are believed to be responsible for the persistent hemorrhages in chronic benzene poisoning (121,122). 

Acute benzene poisoning results in CNS depression and is characterized by an initial euphoria followed by staggered gait, stupor, coma, and convulsions. Exposure to approximately 4000 ppm benzene results in complete loss of consciousness. Insomnia, agitation, headache, nausea, and drowsiness may persist for weeks after exposure (126). Continued inhalation of benzene to the point of euphoria has caused irreversible encephalopathy with tremulousness, emotional lability, and diffuse cerebral atrophy (125). In deaths arising from acute exposure, respiratory tract infection, hypo- and hyperplasia of sternal bone marrow, congested kidneys, and cerebral edema have been found at autopsy. 

Treatment for chronic benzene poisoning is supportive and symptomatic, with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants as therapeutic agents for leukemia and aplastic anemia (127). 

Benzene is a flammable liquid and its vapors are toxic and explosive. Low concentrations are dangerous on continued inhalation because benzene affects the blood forming function of the bone marrow and it is a cancirogen. Dermatitis may result from repeated skin contact. Alkyl derivatives such as toluene and xylenes are far less toxic and are, therefore, much safer than benzene for use in solvents. Some of the symptoms of benzene poisoning are dizziness, constriction of the chest, and tightening of the leg muscles. 

C150-1-03 and C150-4-03 catalysts were loaded into the small dualtube reactor. The unit was equipped with inlet saturators which served as the source of benzene. Poison levels of 0-5% were tested. The findings... 

After exposure to benzene, several factors determine whether harmful health effects will occur and if they do, what the type and severity of these health effects might be. These factors include the amount of benzene to which you are exposed and the length of time of the exposure. Most data involving effects of long-term exposure to benzene are from studies of workers employed in industries that make or use benzene. These workers were exposed to levels of benzene in air far greater than the levels normally encountered by the general population. Current levels of benzene in workplace air are much lower than in the past. Because of this reduction, and the availability of protective equipment such as respirators, fewer workers have symptoms of benzene poisoning. 

People who were exposed to high levels of benzene vapors in the printing industry also showed severe hematological effects. One study evaluated 332 workers who were exposed to 11-1,060 ppm of benzene for 6 months to 5 years. Detailed blood studies performed on 102 of these workers revealed benzene poisoning in 22 workers characterized by pancytopenia or other clinical signs (Goldwater 1941 ... 

In summary, benzene poisoning results in the development of pancytopenia, a condition characterized by decreased numbers of circulating erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes. The potential mechanisms for the development of pancytopenia in humans include the destruction of bone marrow stem cells, the impairment of the differentiation of these cells, and/or the destruction of more mature hematopoietic cell precursors and circulating cells. Furthermore, pancytopenia can result from the combined destruction of the peripheral blood and bone marrow elements. In effect, individuals that develop pancytopenia and have continued exposure to benzene may develop aplastic anemia (i.e., pancytopenia associated with fatty replacement of functional bone marrow) others may exhibit both pancytopenia and bone marrow hyperplasia, a condition that suggests a preleukemic state. The data suggest that individual workers vary in their reactions to benzene. 

Aksoy M, Dincol K, Akgun T, et al. 1971. Haematological effects of chronic benzene poisoning in 217 workers. BrJ Ind Med 28 296-302. 

Avis SP, Hutton CJ. 1993. Acute benzene poisoning a report of three fatalities. J Forensic Sci 38(3) 599-602. 

Baslo A, Aksoy M. 1982. Neurological abnormalities in chronic benzene poisoning A study of six patients with aplastic anemia and two with preleukemia. Environ Res 27 457-465. 

Ding X-J, Li Y, Ding Y, et al. 1983. Chromosome changes in patients with chronic benzene poisoning. Chinese Med J (Peking Engl Ed) 96 681-685. 

Turk R, Fuchs R, Momcilovic B. 1991. Granulocyte reserve in chronic experimental benzene poisoning in rats. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 42(l) 37-42. 

Yin S, Li Q, Liang Y. 1982. Significance of leukocyte alkaline phosphatase in the diagnosis of chronic benzene poisoning. Reg Toxicol Pharmacol 2 209-212. 

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Bond BB, McLaren EA, Baldwin CL, etal An update of mortality among chemical workers exposed to benzene. British Journal of Industrial Medicine 43 685-691,1986 Helmer KJ Accumulated cases of chronic benzene poisoning in the rubber industry. Acta Medica Scandinavica 118 354-375, 1944... 

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