Essay On Benzene

Extensive research has gone into the study of benzene in the body and unfortunately, early warning signs mimic less severe issues such as heat exhaustion or carbon monoxide exposure. It is imperative that workers who are susceptible to benzene exposure be aware of the warning signs and should be the duty of first line supervision to make this information available. Long term health effects of benzene exposure are real and present. The real danger from long term exposure of benzene is on the blood. Benzene causes damaging effects in bone marrow and causes a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. It can also cause the thinning of blood, leading to excessive bleeding and can suppress the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.

This will reduce the possibility of death from exposure to benzene in the air. If the benzene release was outside, simply move upwind of the spill if possible. If the release was indoors, get out of the building. If you are near a release of benzene, emergency controllers may tell you to either vacate the area or “shelter in place” inside a building to avoid exposure. If you think you may have been exposed to benzene, you should remove your clothing, rapidly wash your entire body with soap and water, and get professional attention as quickly as

Again, avoid touching contaminated articles. If you can 't avoid touching contaminated areas, or you aren 't sure where the contaminated areas are, wear rubber gloves or put the clothing in the bag using tongs, or similar tools. Anything at all that touches the soiled clothing should also be placed in the bag. The bag should be sealed, and then placed inside another plastic bag. Labeling the outer bag will help protect you and other people from any chemicals that might be on your clothing. When the health department or emergency personnel arrive, inform them of the location of your clothes and disposal method. They will then arrange for further disposal. Do not handle the plastic bags.

It seems benzene will remain a chemical pillar of American infrastructure, despite its effects on the human body. Education is the best tool that an industrial professional or even the general public can use to avoid serious health risks. Just as silicon can often replace carbon in manufacturing given its similar molecular structure, maybe a viable replacement for benzene will one day rid industries of its health