Key Points

Kinetics and metabolism

• The primary route of entry is via inhalation.  Dermal absorption is poor
• Reactive metabolites such as benzene oxide have been implicated in the mechanism(s) of benzene toxicity

Health effects of acute exposure

• Acute exposure may resemble solvent intoxication, clinically manifest as drowsiness, dizziness, delirium, loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest and death

Health effects of chronic exposure

• Two well documented adverse health effects of chronic benzene exposure are anaemia and leukaemia
• Benzene is a known human carcinogen and clastogen but is not considered to be a reproductive toxicant

Decontamination and First Aid       Summary of Health Effects

• Benzene - Summary of Health Effects
  Added/updated: 15 October 2008
  
• Benzene - Kinetics and Metabolism
  Added/updated: 29 September 2008
  
• Benzene - Sources and Route of Human Exposure
  Added/updated: 15 October 2008
  
• Benzene - Health Effects of Acute / Single Exposure (Human)
  Added/updated: 15 October 2008
  
• Benzene - Health Effects of Chronic / Repeated Exposure (Human)
  Added/updated: 15 October 2008
  
• Benzene - Health Effects of Chronic / Repeated Exposure (Animal / In-Vitro)
  Added/updated: 29 September 2008
  
• Benzene - References
  Added/updated: 29 September 2008