Occupational disease
Occupational poisoning due to benzene and its homologues
Apr
Benzene is a volatile liquid, slightly soluble in water, but easily dissolves in most organic solvents, mineral oils, as well as in animal and vegetable oils.
In industry, benzene is a raw material for synthesizing organic compounds such as nitrobenzene, aniline, chlorobenzene, phenol, etc., and is used as a solvent for fats, rubber, varnishes; degreasing bones, fibers, fabrics, wool, felt; drying, degreasing metal sheets and tools contaminated with grease.
1. What is occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs?
Occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs occurs when your body absorbs excessive amounts of benzene and related compounds, usually through inhalation or skin contact.
Benzene vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas. Poisoning occurs when workers ingest, inhale, or come into direct contact with benzene, which is rapidly absorbed through any route of exposure.
2. Occupations at risk of occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
High-risk occupations for benzene and its homologs exposure include:
- Chemical, petroleum, rubber, dye, and pesticide manufacturing industries.
- Copper production, copper alloys, copper processing, and brass manufacturing industries.
- Paint and surface coating manufacturing industry.
- Gasoline, diesel, and fuel production industry.
- Dyeing and printing industries.
- Pharmaceutical and biochemical manufacturing industries.
- Plastics and related compound production.
- Rubber and rubber product manufacturing.
- Ink production.
- Pulp and paper manufacturing.
3. Mechanism and causes of occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
Benzene can enter the body through inhalation or skin contact during work. It is metabolized into toxic compounds, causing health effects such as blood cancer, anemia, and damage to the nervous, immune, and reproductive systems.
4. Symptoms of occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
Symptoms vary depending on concentration and duration of exposure:
+ Acute poisoning: Victims may exhibit the following signs:
- Burning sensation in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, digestive disturbances such as loss of appetite.
- Benzene-smelling breath, irritation of skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, excitement, or drunkenness. Severe cases can cause sensory disorders, arrhythmias, and respiratory failure.
- Mild anemia, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged bleeding time.
- Benzene contact with eyes can cause pain and corneal damage.
+ Chronic poisoning: Chronic exposure symptoms may appear one month after contact and can develop even 15 years after exposure has ceased.
- Persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, anemia, behavioral disorders, nephritis, etc.
- If untreated, poisoning may lead to serious diseases such as hematopoietic disorders, leukemia, and reproductive impairment.
- Repeated or prolonged skin contact with liquid benzene can reduce skin oils, causing cracks and peeling.
5. Health effects of occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
Occupational exposure can cause:
- Blood cancers: Benzene is carcinogenic and may lead to leukemia, abnormal blood cell formation, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
- Nervous system effects: headaches, dizziness, tremors, paralysis, muscle pain, and vision problems.
- Immune system impacts: inflammation, infections, and immune-related disorders.
- Reduced red blood cell production leading to anemia, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, and dizziness.
- Digestive system effects: abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
- Urinary system issues: painful urination, frequent urination, and discomfort.
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
Workers should use appropriate PPE:
- Helmet: protects head and eyes from toxins and dust.
- Safety goggles: protect eyes from harmful chemicals and particles.
- Respirator: protects nose and mouth from toxic gases and particles.
- Protective clothing: shields the body from toxins and dust.
- Protective gloves: shields hands from harmful substances.
- Safety shoes: protect feet from toxic substances and dust.
- Protective trousers: protect legs from harmful chemicals and dust.
Proper usage, regular inspection, maintenance, and replacement of PPE are essential.
Discover the Benzene Occupational Poisoning Risk Assessment Tool for healthcare professionals and safety managers. It provides detailed risk evaluations and helps identify effective preventive measures.
7. Compensation for workers with occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
In Vietnam, affected workers are entitled to compensation under Social Insurance Law:
- Health insurance covers treatment and care costs.
- Social insurance benefits according to regulations.
- Employers using unsafe materials or equipment must compensate for losses incurred.
- Workers undergo occupational disease assessment to claim insurance and support benefits.
However, proving causation remains challenging; prevention via PPE and safety compliance is most effective.
8. Treatment of occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
No specific antidote exists. Treatment depends on severity and symptoms and typically includes:
- Stopping exposure to benzene and related compounds.
- Symptomatic treatment: addressing fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties.
- Red blood cell replacement if affected.
- Using erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production.
- Blood transfusions if necessary.
- Treating secondary infections or immune deficiencies.
Preventive measures include PPE, hygiene, ventilation, and regular equipment maintenance.
9. Prevention of occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
Workers should follow safety rules:
- Wear PPE: masks, goggles, gloves, protective clothing, shoes, helmet.
- Minimize contact with toxic substances.
- Maintain good health: balanced diet and exercise.
- Regular health check-ups.
- Use protective devices: dust collectors, ventilation fans.
- Avoid other hazardous chemicals.
- Comply with occupational safety regulations.
10. Employer responsibilities in preventing occupational poisoning from benzene and its homologs
Employers must:
- Ensure a safe workplace.
- Provide information about toxic substances and their health effects.
- Provide proper PPE.
- Train workers in health and safety measures.
- Compensate and support treatment for affected workers.
- Conduct occupational environment monitoring and report results regularly to improve workplace safety.
11. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring workplace environment quality throughout Vietnam. Experienced monitoring specialists use modern equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also supports planning, handling, and monitoring workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” it ensures client satisfaction and provides the best solutions.
- We value our brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide the best and most suitable solutions for customers.
- Along with experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Clients of Nam Viet Monitoring Team receive professional service and the best cost benefits.
12. Occupational environment monitoring service pricing
Nam Viet provides transparent pricing for professional and effective workplace environment monitoring.
- Our price list details costs for monitoring services including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting, ensuring reliability and accuracy.
- We guarantee competitive pricing and provide professional consultation on monitoring services.
- Clients can select suitable packages according to their needs, ensuring satisfaction with professional service quality.
