Benzene is an organic chemical compound that is also a carcinogen. The questions of what benzene causes and how benzene can be measured are key in determining whether or not it is cancer-causing. A family of organics, aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene has many properties that make it both dangerous and useful. It’s a colorless liquid with a sweet smell but should never be tasted because the vapor can cause dizziness and nausea and high doses could result in unconsciousness or death.
Benzene is a carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia. You can learn more about the risks associated with Benzene by studying about Camp Lejeune water contamination. Benzene was a primary chemical involved in Camp Lejeune water contamination that eventually led to many cases of cancer and other diseases.
Let us now see into more health risks associated with exposure to Benzene.
1. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. The disease affects both children and adults, but it’s most often seen in adolescents or young adults. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a form of leukemia that shows up early in the disease, and it starts affecting a person’s immune system.
2. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that starts in the blood cells. This cancer is difficult to detect early, and it’s usually only found at the later stages of the disease. If a person does not seek help in time, acute myeloid leukemia can be fatal.
3. Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia is a condition that is characterized by low white blood cell count and a shortening of the life span. This condition usually begins around the age of 10 years, but it can appear anytime.
4. Bone marrow dysplasia
Bone marrow dysplasia is a condition in which the bone marrow produces abnormal stem cells. These stem cells then multiply abnormally and differentiate. This can lead to the formation of a number of hematological diseases, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloid metaplasia, or acute myeloid leukemia.
5. Central nervous system damage
CNS damage is a term used to refer to cell death in the central nervous system. The cause of this disorder is not known, but there is a number of factors that contribute to CNS damage. These can include exposure to benzene as well as other toxins, such as manganese, carbon tetrachloride, arsenic, etc.