What You Need to Know About Benzene Safety

Imagine yourself as a worker in a factory, laboratory, or a fuel station. Suddenly, you smell something strong that feels like a chemical. Yes, we are talking about benzene here, which leads to various hazardous circumstances across workplaces in the United States. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term exposure to benzene can affect your blood. Even short-term inhalation can result in dizziness, headaches, and confusion. Benzene is present in everything  starting from crude oil to cigarette smoke. Everyone including yourself, your colleagues, and any other people working across industries must know about its hazardous behavior. Let’s learn more about a benzene hazard, its sources, health impacts, and safety measures you can implement to protect yourself and others.

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What Is Benzene?

Benzene is a highly inflammable liquid that vaporizes quickly and is often used as a solvent. This liquid is highly flammable and has a sweet odor. As one of the top 20 most widely used chemicals in the United States, it is used to make other chemicals used in plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, and pesticides.

However, benzene is not limited to industrial usage. It is also found in glues, paints, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and detergents. This liquid poses significant health risk in both occupational and environmental settings.

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Benzene Hazard: Why It’s a Serious Concern

Benzene is often classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This means it is a serious hazard and there is already sufficient evidence linking it to cancer in humans. Prolonged exposure to the liquid can lead to severe and irreversible conditions such as:

Bone Marrow Suppression

The bone marrow is affected by benzene immediately because it interferes with the development of red cells, white cells, and platelets. This often leads to conditions like anemia, infections, and bleeding issues. Prolonged exposure to benzene can cause irreversible suppression of blood cell production.

Leukemia (Especially AML)

Long-term benzene exposure is linked to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). DNA mutations in bone marrow cells are a result of leukemia. The victim may even witness the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells during this time. These cells crowd out healthy ones and weaken your immunity and blood function.

Immunotoxicity

Benzene damages white blood cells and disrupts immune signals. This lowers the body’s defense against infections and delays healing. Even low-level, long-term exposure to this liquid can result in lasting immune system impairment.

What Are The Most Common Sources of Benzene Exposure?

You must know where benzene is commonly found to prevent any kind of exposure risks. Sometimes., even the general public can also be exposed to this liquid through contaminated air, water, and consumer products. Meanwhile, here are some of the most frequent sources of benzene you must know about:

What are the Symptoms of Benzene Exposure?

The symptoms of benzene exposure can vary depending on the duration and level of exposure. You must seek medical attention immediately if you get exposed to this liquid in any surrounding area. Acute exposure to benzene often presents differently from chronic exposure.

The following table showcases the different types of benzene exposure symptoms for your understanding: 

Benzene Exposure Limits and Regulations

Employers and industrial facilities must always monitor air quality and provide protective gear and training to workers to prevent any kind of benzene exposure. Several organizations have established strict guidelines to protect workers and the public, such as: 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA 1910.1028(a)(1) section applies to most occupational exposures related to benzene. This ensures workers across organizations remain protected from any harmful levels of benzene during occupational activities. That’s how OSHA enforces its standards with a strong focus on airborne exposure, hazard communication, and worker health monitoring.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

NIOSH is another organization that researches various workplace hazards and recommends exposure limits to protect workers. It has set a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.1 ppm averaged over a 10-hour work shift. Moreover, the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 1 ppm for 15 minutes for benzene. 

The organization encourages employers across the U.S. to leverage personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls to reduce exposure.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates benzene under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Authorities can easily take measures to protect the environment and public health through this regulation. Benzene is listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) under the Clean Air Act. The EPA has also developed strict emission standards to limit the release of benzene into the atmosphere.

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Benzene Safety Best Practices

Several regulatory frameworks already exist for benzene, such as OSHA guidelines. However, personal and organizational diligence can also ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some best practices to follow when handling benzene:

Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use respirators, especially in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. Wear gloves and eye protection: To avoid skin and mucous membrane contact. It is also recommended to wear chemical-resistant clothing: For those working with high concentrations.

Improve Ventilation

Benzene vapors can be quickly dispersed with the help of proper ventilation systems across organizations. However, make sure to use only local exhaust ventilation in areas where benzene is handled. Store the liquid in tightly sealed containers and keep it away from ignition sources because it has a flammable nature. 

Monitor Air Quality

Install real-time air monitoring systems in high-risk areas wherever you feel like there could be a hazard. You can also conduct routine assessments to ensure compliance with exposure limits to benzene. Label containers clearly to avoid accidental misuse.

Train Employees and Raise Awareness

Conduct regular safety training sessions to provide clear information about benzene hazards and symptoms of exposure. Make Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) easily accessible for everyone which often include the new workplace laws you need to know. 

Avoid Inhalation

In case of accidental inhalation, move the person to fresh air immediately. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical help urgently. 

Skin and Eye Contact

It is usually recommended to remove contaminated clothing if you are exposed to benzene. You must do this before washing your skin with soap and water. You should never apply solvents to clean the skin. Rinse your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes if they are exposed too. Do not rub them and consult a healthcare professional immediately. 

Environmental Impact 

Did you know that benzene also contaminates air, soil, and water? In the worst cases, it can even affect wildlife. This can lead to long-term soil and groundwater contamination if properly cleaned up. Make sure to follow spill containment protocols and use benzene substitutes when possible. You can also use eco-friendly waste disposal methods. 

Stay Safe, Stay Informed About Benzene Hazards

The benzene hazard is potentially life-threatening, especially for workers who work in high-risk industries. Awareness and prevention are our first lines of defense because of its widespread use and presence in everyday products. 

Recognizing the symptoms of benzene exposure, understanding where benzene might be present, and following safety best practices can drastically reduce your risk. Stay informed about benzene safety, irrespective of whether you are an employer, worker, or concerned consumer.  Want to learn more about benzene hazards and safety? Visit Learntastic and enroll in the OSHA 10 and 30 certifications now. 

References

• https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0197.pdf

• https://ehs.oregonstate.edu/SD0024

• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/benzene.html