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Benzene Environemental Health Education Center, University of Maryland Scho

Learning ObjectivesDescribe characteristics and identifysources of Benzene

Discuss Health Effects of BenzeneDetermine actions for reducingexposures to Benzene

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Benzene Environemental Health Education Center, University of Maryland Scho

Uses and SourcesColorless liquid, sweet odor, evaporatesquickly, highly flammableFound at 813 National Priority List SitesProduced during the burning of gasoline,cigarettes, volcanoes, and forest firesUsed in plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic

fibers, some rubbers, lubricants, dyes,detergents, drugs, pesticides

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Benzene Environemental Health Education Center, University of Maryland Scho

How Are We Exposed?Inhalation

Gasoline vaporsCigarette smoke (first and second hand)Vapors from contaminated steam duringshowering or cooking

Ingestion

Contaminated groundwater Skin Contact

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Benzene Environemental Health Education Center, University of Maryland Scho

Health Effects: AcuteInhalation

DrowsinessDizzinessFast heart rateHeadacheTremorsConfusionUnconsciousnessDeath

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Benzene Environemental Health Education Center, University of Maryland Scho

Health Effects: Ingestion High Level

Food or water Nausea/vomitingStomach irritation

DizzinessSleepinessConvulsionsFast heart rateDeath

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Health Effects: Skin Contact

RednessSores

Eye irritation

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Health Effects: ChronicDecreased blood productionInability to fight infection

Cancer: Acute myeloid leukemiaLow birth weightDelayed fetal bone formation

Injury to reproductive organs leading toinfertility and difficulty getting pregnant

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Indication of ExposureBreath test only useful shortly after exposure, cannot detect low levels

Blood and bone marrow onlyindicates recent exposuresUrine for benzene breakdown products,

such as phenol may not be specificfor benzene exposure

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How to Reduce RiskAvoid breathing or ingesting vaporsWear protective respiratory equipment andglovesEnsure adequate ventilation where fumes arepresentIf exposed at work

Wash immediately and before going homeChange clothes at work, launder separately

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PolicyEPA MaximumContaminant Level

Water: 5 parts per

billion (ppb)Air: 0.4 ppbGoal for both air andwater: 0 ppb

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PolicyOSHA 8 hour day/40 hour week limit for air exposure is 1 part per million (ppm)with a shortterm air exposure limit of 5ppmNIOSH recommends use of specialrespiratory equipment when handlingbenzene

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ResourcesATSDR fact sheetwww.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts3.pdf

NJ fact sheetwww.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/1929.pdf

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts3.pdfhttp://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/1929.pdfhttp://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/1929.pdfhttp://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts3.pdf

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Benzene Environemental Health Education Center, University of Maryland Scho

In ReviewWhat is benzene and how are weexposed to it

How does benzene effect our healthHow can we reduce our exposure tobenzene