Benzene is generally described as a chemical that is colorless with a sweet smelling odor. It dissolves in water, evaporates quickly into the air, and is extremely flammable. This dangerous chemical is naturally occurring and is a byproduct of manufacturing processes. Benzene is also used to make a variety of products. It enters the environment through various ways.

Benzene occurs naturally. Sources of benzene in the environment include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene also can be passed into the air from gasoline, crude oil, cigarette smoke, water, and soil. Once benzene is in the air, it can attach to rain, snow, and other natural elements and therefore create a continuous cycle of exposure.

Benzene is used in many industries. As stated previously, benzene is used to make other chemicals that are then used to make products such as plastic, rubber, dyes, detergent, pesticides, solvents, paint removers, and various other products. Benzene is a byproduct of a particular process called "choking" during steel production.

In the manufacturing process, benzene is most dangerous to humans. Approximately 300,000 people each year are becoming exposed and 10,000 of those individuals have died as a result. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Benzene ranks in the top 20 chemicals for volume production in the United States. Because of this, many people who work in various production industries are becoming exposed and will continue to become exposed as long as there is a need for products containing benzene.

Exposure to benzene is dangerous. A person can become exposed in several ways. The highest risk of exposure occurs to those who work in manufacturing industries that make or use benzene. The air people breath outside contains low levels of benzene from cigarette smoke, gas stations, auto service stations, and exhaust from cars. A person can also be exposed to benzene by breathing in vapors from household products such as detergent, glue, cleaners, and furniture polish.

When a person has been exposed to benzene, the symptoms include the following:

·        Fatigue

·        Dizziness

·        Headache

·        Vomiting

·        Eye and skin irritation

·        Infection

·        Fever

·        Heart palpitations

·        Death

Long-term exposure can have a much more detrimental effect on a person. Leukemia has been linked to long-term exposure, as well as other cancers and blood disorders.

It is clear that benzene is a very dangerous chemical and can cause many health problems when a person is exposed to it. Taking precautions when there is a potential benzene exposure is important to reduce the chances of long-term effects that may include some cancers. If you feel that you have been exposed to benzene, seek medical attention immediately.

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