Benzene Exposure and Its Detrimental Health Effects

Did you know that the majority of products we use in our daily lives are packed with benzene? We didn’t know either. A recent feature by C&EN reveals that scientists are discovering benzene in more and more consumer products. Detergents, glues, and adhesives are some items that contain benzene. 

Independent testing has found this chemical in hundreds of personal care products, which include deodorants, hand sanitizers, body sprays, and dry shampoos. Decades of research suggest that exposure to benzene results in several health issues, ranging from short-term effects to long-term consequences. 

Here, we’ll discuss a few health issues linked with exposure to this chemical. But before that, let’s discuss what benzene is. 

Benzene: An Overview

Benzene, a widely used industrial chemical, is a highly flammable, colorless liquid with a sweet odor. This organic chemical compound evaporates quickly when exposed to air but sinks into low-lying areas because it is heavier than air. 

Natural processes such as forest fires and volcanic eruptions lead to the formation of benzene. However, people are exposed to this chemical due to human activities. This highly flammable liquid is mainly used to manufacture other chemicals, such as pesticides, drugs, detergents, dyes, rubbers, lubricants, resins, and plastics. 

Health Issues Linked With Benzene Exposure

This potentially dangerous chemical is linked with a host of health issues, and we’ve discussed a few common ones below:

1. Cancer

Exposure to benzene increases a person’s risk of developing cancer. Based on sufficient evidence, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has labeled benzene as carcinogenic. 

Epidemiologic studies suggest a link between occupational exposure to benzene and higher incidences of leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Those who work in shoe-making, chemical, and oil refining industries are at an increased risk of developing leukemia. 

Chronic exposure to high levels of benzene could also lead to childhood leukemia, especially AML. Few studies link benzene exposure with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and other blood-related cancers such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. 

An unpublished study conducted by a U.S. health agency has discovered elevated cancer risk in civilian and military personnel who resided and worked at Camp Lejeune, a large military American base. The study’s findings suggest that exposure to contaminants present in the water of Camp Lejeune caused cancer. 

Among the toxic chemicals that tainted the drinking water of Camp Lejeune, benzene was found at high levels. Testing revealed that benzene was present at 380 parts per billion (ppb) when the Environmental Protection Agency had set 5 ppb as the safe exposure limit. Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace, the two treatment plants that supplied water at Camp Lejeune, were contaminated with benzene, notes TorHoerman Law. 

Cumulative exposure to this highly flammable liquid has also been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. There is sufficient evidence to back this claim, including a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. 

As many as one million people were affected due to exposure to the contaminated water. Earlier, recovering damages was virtually impossible for Camp Lejeune victims. However, the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has made it easy for them to seek compensation. 

Veterans can sue the federal government for the harm they suffered after using the base’s contaminated water by filing a lawsuit. While the payout depends on the strength of the case, lawyers estimate that Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts could be over $1,000,000. 

2. Infertility in Men

Studies have linked exposure to benzene with reduced semen quality in both men and animals.

Chronic and long-term benzene exposure results in chromosomal abnormalities. Abnormal amounts of chromosomes have been noticed in men exposed to high levels of benzene. This has an adverse impact on their fertility as well as fetal development. 

A study published in Science Direct found exposure to benzene decreases testosterone levels. Besides testicular damage, benzene exposure alters the m6A methylome of the testes. This indicates that m6a is involved in benzene-induced male reproductive damage. 

3. Irregular Periods

Long-term inhalation exposure to benzene can affect the menstrual cycle of women, reveals the Virginia Department of Health. 

Women who breathe benzene at high levels for extended periods may have irregular periods. A decrease in their ovary sizes was also noticed. However, studies are yet to establish a link between the two. The exact exposure levels are also not known. 

What Next?

Human exposure to benzene is associated with a range of acute health effects, from cancer to reproductive toxicity. Exposure to benzene also affects the nervous system and harms the bone marrow. 

With benzene being present in a wide range of products, avoiding it completely is impossible. However, you can limit your exposure in several ways. You can lower your exposure to the highly flammable liquid by opting for VOC-free paints and benzene-free beauty, skin, and household products.