Case Assignment Benzene exposure

Introduction Benzene which is as well cognise as benzol is an organic conflate that is colorless, high gearly flammable and with a sweet odor. It tends to evaporate quickly when left exposed. It is a chemical compound that is publicly create by a natural process much(prenominal) as volcanic formation or forest fires. It is also formed from hydrocarbons. It was said to be present as a comp 1nt of the cig atomic number 18t smoke (ACS, 2008). Some of it physical properties argon a relatively high melting point and high solubility in water.It is mostly hire as a solvent in most chemical industries. It functions ranges from the output of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber to dyes production where it mostly serves as the precursors of such industrial products. Route of exposure Benzene exposure has a lot of health impact and on that point are mostly three ways in which an individual can be exposed to benzine toxicity, these are inhalational passage, using up and transdermal a bsorption (Media Fact, 2008). Inhalation of benzene is commonly as a result of the breathing of the benzene fumes.Benzene fumes are inhaled easily beca hire benzene is an extremely volatile organic compound and this kind of exposure is one of the deadliest because of it immediate contact with the lung parenchyma. This then elicit a lot neurological symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tachycardia (increase in heart rate), tremors and subsequent death if untreated on time. Benzene ingestion result from eating of benzene squiffy foods or beverages and its noticeable symtoms are neurological while those of transdermal route ordinarily result from contact with the benzene or benzene load materials (Media Fact, 2008).The health problems cause by this route of benzene exposure are erythema (reddening of the skin), scaling dermatitis, suppression of the hematopoietic system and pancytopenia (Media Fact, 2008) Sources of Benzene Exposure The major(ip) sources of human exposure to benze ne are environmental, occupational and consumer products. Benzene is usually released into air from sources resembling gasoline filling stations, underground leakage of petroleum, vehicular exhaust, cigarette smoke, waste products or sewage and some food products.Most of the occupational related benzene exposure are seen mainly in industries like those involve in rubber production, chemical plants, refineries and shipments and retail shops. Other sources involve consumer products that are made of benzene such as glues, adhesives, cigarettes, paint and varnishes e. t. c Short and long term effect The short term effects of benzene exposure are drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, tremors, confusion and unconsciousness (ACS, 2008).The previous symptoms are as a result of exposure of about 700-300ppm while crisp exposure of high dose results in vomiting, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, narcolepsy, scene and tachycardia. In extreme cases of high dose ingestion death usually r esults. The long term effect of benzene toxicity has been attributed to the interference with the normal blood cell production i. e. the hematopoietic cells. The sequeale of this is anemia and leucopenia. An individual with this pull up stakes be immunocompromised hence such individual will be prone to opportunistic diseases.The long term effect can also be seen to result in reproductive organ dysfunction. Precautionary measures 1. The use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, apron and some early(a) clothing materials. 2. Special training on equipments handling and usage 3. If there is accidental release of the benzene quick evacuation of such science testing ground must be done urgently 4. Proper ventilation of the laboratory References ACS, (2008). Benzene. Prevention and early detection Retrieved Sept 4, 2008 From www. cancer. org/docroot/PED/content/PED_1_3X_Benzene. asp