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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.pdf8/14/2019 Health Effects and Reducing Exposure
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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
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