Running head: MODULE CASE 5

Chemical Safety and Industrial Hygiene DJuan Steen Trident University September 15, 2013

MODULE CASE 5 Abstract The following paper will conduct an in depth discussion as it relates to chemical safety and

industrial hygiene. Specifically the focus will be placed on the substance called benzene and will look to address the potential routes of exposure that may exist for occupational exposure to benzene, concerns that may be warranted about the short-term and long-term health effects from chemicals, and precautionary measures that should be taken to protect safety in laboratory environments.

MODULE CASE 5 Chemical Safety and Industrial Hygiene In order to know what the potential problems are that would exist in our case study of benzene exposure, we must first gain an understanding of what benzene is in terms of a substance. Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid in its state at room temperature (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). This chemical will quickly

vaporize when exposed to air and because it is denser than air will likely descend to lower areas. Benzene will only partially dissolve in water and because its properties it tends to float at the top of water when it comes into contact with it. Benzene occurs both naturally by processes of life and can also be generated by human activities. Some natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Benzene is also a byproduct of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke. Among chemicals widely used in the United States, benzene ranks in the top 20 for production volume (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Some organizations use the chemical to make other chemicals used in manufactured goods such as plastics, resins, nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also a core ingredient in items like lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. Exposure to Benzene Outdoor air contains small doses of benzene from things like tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust and many industrial emissions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). By percentage and volume, indoor air will contain a higher level of benzene than that of outdoor air in part because of the products containing it such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents. The air the runs off of waste sites, chemical plants and gas stations generally will carry the highest concentrations of benzene in them. Benzene can leak from

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storage tanks or hazardous waste sites that have benzene can potentially contaminate well water. Benzene is also why second-hand tobacco smoke can be more lethal than actual smoking. Benzene has become one of the most strongly regulated chemicals in the world. Its pervasive use as a solvent has led to several working populations subject to or victims of exposure. At one time exposure took place in variably uncontrollable environments leading to very high exposures. Today, occupations are more securely controlled and typically limited to workers in the petrochemical industry, vehicle mechanics, firefighters, workers exposed to automobile emissions and a few other occupational groups (Capleton & Levy, 2005). Usually, occupational exposures are less than or equal to 3.25 mg/m and environmental exposures less than or equal to 50 g/m (Capleton & Levy, 2005). Smoking is still a significant source of exposure in both occupational and non-occupational parties. Concerns of Short-Term and Long-Term Effects Benzene causes cells not to work correctly. An example of this is causing bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells leading to anemia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). The immune system can also be damaged by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells. Poisoning from benzene can occur in varying levels of significance based on the amount, route, length of time as well as age and the existence of any medical conditions before exposure. People who breathe in high levels of benzene may develop the following signs and symptoms within minutes to several hours: Drowsiness Dizziness Rapid or irregular heartbeat

MODULE CASE 5 Headaches Tremors Confusion Unconsciousness Death (at very high levels) (Capleton & Levy, 2005)

Eating or drinking substances containing high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, irritation of the stomach, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid or irregular heartbeat an even death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). A person that vomits under these circumstances could have vomit sucked into the lungs and cause breathing issues. Exposure to the eyes, skin or lungs can cause tissue damage. Long-term effects typically are on the blood. In some women, there have been reports of irregular menstrual periods and a decrease in the size of the ovaries (Capleton & Levy, 2005). The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that benzene causes cancer in humans. Long-term exposure can lead to leukemia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Protecting Yourself If benzene is released into the air in your environment, leave that area and get to fresh air. This can significantly reduce exposure. If there is a release of benzene near you, emergency coordinators may evacuate the facility or there may be a designated safety room that you can go to. If you feel you have been in contact with benzene directly you should remove your clothing, rapidly wash your entire body with soap and water and seek medical attention as quickly as you can. Following the necessary steps both from a proactive and reactive standpoint could mean the

MODULE CASE 5 difference between life and death for yourself or others in the handling of this very dangerous substance.

MODULE CASE 5 References Capleton, A. C., & Levy, L. S. (2005). An overview of occupational benzene exposures and occupational exposure limits in Europe and North America. Toxicology and Risk Assessment, n.p. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013, February). Facts About Benzene. Retrieved from CDC.com.