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Benzene Facts
Benzene is one of the top 20 most-produced chemicals in the
United States, used primarily in the production of plastics
and chemical products. Significant quantities of benzene are
found or used in oil refineries and some types of chemical
plants. It is also used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals,
detergents, and explosives. As an industrial chemical, it
is used frequently as a solvent in the chemical and drug industries.
However, benzene has also been used in more common commercial
and even household products such as paint, paint thinners,
glues, pesticides, and gasoline. It is found in inks, furniture
wax, plastics, and rubber. Benzene is also found in emissions
from burning coal and oil, vehicle exhaust, evaporations from
gasoline stations, and tobacco smoke.
Benzene is also known as carbon oil, benzine, benzol, and
phenyl hydride.
Benzene Products:
- plastics and resins
- nylon and synthetic fibers
- some types of rubbers
- lubricants
- dyes and detergents
- pesticides
What effect can benzene exposure have on my health?
According to the National Insitutes of Health (NIH), "chronic
exposure to benzene is known to lead to progressive degeneration
of the bone marrow and…eventual leukemia."
Benzene exposure that has no apparent effect on the exposed
person right away may still result in diseases such as cancer
and blood disorders. Twenty or more years may pass before
people begin to develop symptoms.
Related Material - Leukemia
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