What Benzene is:
Benzene is a solvent classified by the EPA as a human
carcinogen and has been identified as a known cause of
leukemia.
What Benzene is Used For:
Benzene is used in the manufacturing of other chemicals, including:
- nylon
- polystyrene
- pesticides
- gasoline
Benzene is one of the 20 most widely used chemicals in production in the United States.
Benzene and Cigarette Smoke:
Benzene is present in cigarette smoke and accounts for half of all human exposure to this health hazard. While definitive conclusions have not yet been drawn, it is generally thought that smokers face an increased risk of leukemia over their nonsmoking counterparts.
Benzene Health Effects:
Short-term, high level exposure to benzene, through inhalation or ingestion, causes damage to the central nervous system and can lead to:
- paralysis
- coma
- convulsions
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- rapid heart rate
- tightness in the chest
- tremors
- rapid breathing
Long-term exposure to benzene can cause:
- decreased red blood cells through damage to bone marrow
- anemia
- leukemia
- excessive bleeding
- genetic damage
- negative effects on the immune system
Benzene is but one of many
poisonous and carcinogenic chemical compounds found in air tainted with cigarette smoke. Breathing in
ETS threatens life for smokers and nonsmokers alike.
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