Benzene is an organic compound commonly used in industry as a solvent and a substrate for chemical reactions. It can enter our body through the respiratory tract or the skin. Based on numerous studies, it has been recognized as a carcinogenic substance. How do you recognize benzene poisoning? What are the consequences of coming into contact with this chemical?

Benzeneis an organic chemical compound with the formula C6H6. The benzene molecule consists of six carbon atoms that make up a ring. One hydrogen is attached to each of them.

Contents:

    1. Benzene - effect on he alth
    2. Benzene poisoning - situations
    3. Benzene poisoning - symptoms and consequences
    4. Benzene in carbonated drinks

Due to the composition of the molecule, benzene is classified as a hydrocarbon. Due to the presence of a ring bond, it is referred to as an aromatic molecule.

A characteristic feature of this chemical compound is the cyclic continuous pi bond that connects all the carbon atoms. It is a ring-shaped electron cloud surrounding the molecule. The presence of this structure is the source of benzene's high reactivity, which results in its carcinogenic properties.

Benzene is a natural component of crude oil. It is one of the basic products of the petrochemical industry. It is used primarily as a precursor in the production of chemicals with a more complex structure. For example, ethylbenzene and cumene are synthesized from benzene. These are substances that produce billions of kilograms annually.

In appearance, benzene is a colorless liquid. It is flammable and has a sweet smell, which is characteristic for gas stations.

Benzene - effect on he alth

The American Petroleum Institute (API) announced in 1948:

"…the only absolutely safe concentration of benzene is zero ."

This means that there is no such thing as a safe level of exposure for benzene. Even small amounts of this substance can harm our body.

The US Department of He alth and Human Services (DHHS) classifiesbenzene as a carcinogento humans.

Long-term exposure to high concentrations of benzene in the air isresponsible for, among other things, potentially fatal leukemia.

Due to the fact that benzene is a component of gasoline, the exhaust gases of which are practically ubiquitous, human exposure to this toxic compound is a global he alth problem.

This poison attacks the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and brain.

Causespermanent damage to the DNA strandand the structure of the chromosomes. Neoplastic diseases are the consequence of such changes in the genetic material.

Benzene poisoning - situations

Benzene enters the body mainly in the form of inhaled gas. It is also possible for a toxic substance in a liquid state to penetrate the skin. This compound can also be ingested through the alimentary tract, but it is not common.

Benzene is one of the most dangerous compounds used in industry. This substance has a high volatility and the ability to create high concentrations in the air. For this reason, the most risky technological processes are those during which a large evaporation surface of this toxic compound appears.

Poisoning most often occurs in workers related to the industry:

  • rubber
  • chemical
  • pharmaceutical
  • paints and varnishes
  • plastics

Acute poisoning is usually the consequence of accidents at work.

Chronic benzene poisoning results from constant exposure to a toxic substance in the workplace.

Contact with benzene resulting from "smelling" of adhesives or other preparations also have very serious consequences for he alth. Such practices are aimed at getting intoxicated. There have been many accidents, including fatalities, associated with this practice.

The air we breathe every day usually has a low concentration of benzene. Its source can be:

  • evaporating gasoline at petrol stations
  • wood or coal smoke
  • tobacco smoke
  • car exhaust
  • industrial emissions

It is estimated that nearly 50% of all benzene exposure in the United States is associated with smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke. After smoking 32 cigarettes, the smoker takes about 1.8 mg of the toxic substance. This is 10 times the average daily exposure to the compound by non-smokers.

Benzene poisoning - symptoms and consequences

The main symptom observed after exposure to a high dose of benzene is central nervous system symptoms. They have a narcotic nature similar to intoxication. This type of effect on the body is toxicthe substance is easy to observe.

The most dangerous he alth consequences are invisible. Chronic contact with benzene results in bone marrow damage that can eventually lead to leukemia.

Benzene is also toxic to the skin in direct contact with its liquid form. In such cases the following is observed:

  • blush
  • blisters
  • exfoliating dermatitis

Poisoning with small doses of benzene is manifested by pain and dizziness.

This situation also causes a general feeling of weakness, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

A poisoned person may react with irrational euphoria, despite tiring ailments.

Exposure to higher doses of benzene causes slightly different symptoms.

There are visual disturbances accompanied by rapid, shallow breathing.

Serious poisoning may lead to heart disorders, loss of consciousness, and even coma.

There may also be symptoms such as delirium or over-agitation.

The consequence of acute benzene poisoning may be mental disorders and damage to the central nervous system. These changes may regress as a result of treatment. Exposure to the substance may also result in:

  • bone marrow damage
  • brain damage
  • necrotic changes in the kidneys, liver and respiratory system

Chronic poisoning is usually associated with long-term inhalation exposure to benzene. This means, for example, inhaling this hazardous substance in the workplace. The first symptoms that indicate this state are:

  • loss of appetite
  • headaches
  • sleepiness
  • over-stimulation
  • pale skin

As chronic benzene poisoning continues, anemia develops that can lead to bone marrow aplasia. Symptoms of such a serious state of chronic poisoning are bloody spots on the body.

Leukemia is a complication of chronic benzene poisoning. They are 10 times more common in industrial workers exposed to this poison than in the rest of society.

Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to death. Death in case of poisoning with this substance occurs as a result of:

  • marrow aplasia
  • anemia
  • necrosis or degeneration of the heart muscle, liver or adrenal gland
  • extensive internal bleeding
  • leukemias

Benzene in carbonated drinks

Benzeneit can also be formed in non-alcoholic carbonated drinks.

This is related to the decarboxylation reaction of benzoic acid, which is added to them as a preservative.

The process requires the presence of ascorbic acid, i.e. vitamin C.

Metal, iron or copper ions must also be used as catalysts.

The formation of benzene in beverages is favored by heat and sunlight.

About the authorSara Janowska, MA in pharmacyPhD student of interdisciplinary doctoral studies in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences at the Medical University of Lublin and the Institute of Biotechnology in Białystok. A graduate of pharmaceutical studies at the Medical University of Lublin with a specialization in Plant Medicine. She obtained a master's degree defending a thesis in the field of pharmaceutical botany on the antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from twenty species of mosses. Currently, in his research work, he deals with the synthesis of new anti-cancer substances and the study of their properties on cancer cell lines. For two years she worked as a master of pharmacy in an open pharmacy.

Read more articles by this author

Category:

He alth