An insecticide, benzene is a colorless petroleum-based chemical used to make industrial colors and explosives. It’s in gasoline and cigarette smoke.
Benzene poisoning kills because it disrupts the body’s cells. If you’re exposed to benzene, your bone marrow cells may cease making red blood cells, and your immune system’s white blood cells may. While smelling benzene following a spill gives you time to respond or escape safely, extended exposure may be dangerous.
The severity of benzene poisoning depends on the amount, manner, and duration of exposure. Pre-existing medical conditions and advanced age may also influence the severity of benzene poisoning symptoms.
What Is the Source of Benzene?
Benzene is found in gasoline and diesel fuel. It is found outside because of industrial pollutants, car exhaust, and cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke is a significant source of exposure to benzene..
It is a popular industrial solvent that may be used in paints and lacquers. Benzene is found in glues, paints, and detergents. Benzene is only permitted in industrial applications and is not permitted in cleaning goods, toys, or equipment.
Agrochemicals may be sprayed or aerosolized into the air, creating harmful mists or fumes. It’s in dirty water and food.
It’s flammable and has a low flash point. Because it is heavier than air, it is commonly found deep in sewage sections where leaks may occur. Benzene poisoning occurs when it is ingested, inhaled, or comes in touch with exposed skin. If you or someone you love has been exposed to benzene, act now.
If you’ve been exposed to benzene, your symptoms will vary according to the sort of toxicity.
Consuming the chemical, for example, might result in stomach pain and a lack of appetite. Additionally, it may produce a variety of stomach issues, including the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Stomach irritation
- Vomiting
- Death
Breathing benzene will have a different effect on you. For instance, inhaling excessive concentrations of benzene may result in the following:
- Accelerated heart rate
- Bumpy skin
- Confusion
- Drowsiness and sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Euphoria
- Headaches
- Sensation of a tight chest
- Skin tone is pale
- Unconsciousness
- Weakness
- Death
- In severe circumstances, you may experience shock and collapse.
If you or your loved ones are presenting the symptoms above, visit Doctoroncall to seek help from professional doctors.
What to Do If You Suspect Exposure to Benzene?
If you think you’ve been exposed to benzene, get medical help right once. If you’ve taken the medicine, don’t try to vomit it. If you’ve breathed benzene, get out of the house. Go for a stroll outdoors, as far away from the benzene source as possible. If you’re inside, your building may evacuate you to a chemical exposure shelter.
Wear nothing that has been exposed to benzene while you wait for aid. Rather, quickly cut off the clothing and remove it off your body. Wash yourself with warm soapy water. Flush away any benzene in the mouth or eyes for 15 minutes. Discard any benzene-contaminated contact lenses and clothing.
Seal contaminated clothes in a plastic bag and avoid touching it. Wear rubber gloves or tongs. Keep the contaminated clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
Also, call the national poison hotline, but first call a doctor. Provide them your age, weight, when the product was eaten/breathed, and its name. If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you must supply all pertinent information so the medical staff can treat the patient quickly and effectively. Allow emergency medical personnel to properly dispose of your contaminated clothing.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will be given blood tests, IV fluids, and maybe an endoscopy. A camera is put into your stomach through your neck to ensure no lasting damage has been done.
