Does Benzene Cause Cancer

Benzene is a known carcinogen and has been linked to several types of cancer, most prominently Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  Studies have shown that even a small amount of exposure to benzene can increase the chances of developing cancer by as much as 40%.  People who work in settings where benzene is present are recommended to test regularly for exposure.  If you begin to experience symptoms of benzene toxicity, speak to a medical professional as soon as possible.

How it Works

What is Benzene?

Benzene (Benzol) is normally a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Benzene is used in the production of a variety of products, including styrofoam, plastic, rubber, lubricants, dyes, pesticides, detergents, resins, various synthetic fibers, and some medications.  Benzene can also be found in the environment due to gaseous emissions from volcanoes, forest fires, cigarette smoke, and the burning of oil and gasoline.  Most people are exposed to a small amount of benzene in the air they breathe due to automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, and industrial emissions.  The major sources of benzene exposure are tobacco smoke, automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial emissions.  People living in urban areas or near industrial sites tend to have the highest amount of environmental exposure.  Benzene can also be ingested or absorbed through the skin.  Pollution from factories that use benzene can contaminate the surrounding soil, crops, and water.  The highest levels of benzene exposure are typically found in people who work in industrial settings where benzene is used.  Over 200,000 in the US are estimated to be affected by occupational benzene exposure.  

How can Benzene Affect Your Health?

Whether someone will suffer from the negative effects of benzene exposure is usually determined by the severity of the exposure and the time period.  Acute exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and loss of consciousness. In most cases, these symptoms will stop once you are able to breathe fresh air.  Exposure to very high amounts of benzene in the air can result in death.  Ingesting a large amount of benzene can cause vomiting, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid heart rate, coma, and may be fatal. Exposure to benzene on the skin can cause redness, rash, and sores.  Most cases of long-term benzene exposure are in people who work in factories or industrial settings where benzene is present.  Long-term exposure to benzene can inhibit the production of red blood cells, leading to anemia.  It can also reduce the production of clotting factors, which can lead to excessive bleeding.  Benzene can also weaken the immune system over time, leading to a decreased ability to fight infection and a higher likelihood of certain types of cancer.