What ppm of benzene is dangerous?
Basis for revised IDLH: The revised IDLH for benzene is 500 ppm based on acute inhalation toxicity data in humans [Gerarde 1960]. [Note: NIOSH recommends as part of its carcinogen policy that the “most protective” respirators be worn for benzene at concentrations above 0.1 ppm.
What is the LEL for benzene?
Lower and Upper Explosive Limits
| Gas | LEL | UEL |
|---|---|---|
| Benzene | 1.3 | 7.9 |
| 1.3 Butadiene | 2 | 12 |
| Butane | 1.8 | 8.4 |
| n Butanol | 1.7 | 12 |
What is the permissible exposure limit for benzene?
1 ppm
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 5 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15-minute work period.
What levels of benzene are dangerous?
Brief exposure (5–10 minutes) to very high levels of benzene in air (10,000–20,000 ppm) can result in death. Lower levels (700–3,000 ppm) can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness.
What is considered long term benzene exposure?
(Long-term exposure means exposure of a year or more.) Benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.
Is 500 ppm dangerous?
In addition, the following observations have been made: some workers will tolerate concentrations ranging up to 200 ppm for 6 to 8 hours daily with no demonstrable ill effects; 200 to 500 ppm for 6 to 8 hours will cause tiredness and lassitude in most workers; and concentrations over 500 ppm for 1 to 3 hours are …
What are the ill effects of benzene in the body?
People who breathe in high levels of benzene may develop the following signs and symptoms within minutes to several hours:
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Headaches.
- Tremors.
- Confusion.
- Unconsciousness.
- Death (at very high levels)
What should you do if benzene is spilled or leaked?
Steps to be taken if the material is released or spilled. As much benzene as possible should be absorbed with suitable materials, such as dry sand or earth. That remaining must be flushed with large amounts of water. Do not flush benzene into a confined space, such as a sewer, because of explosion danger.
What are the symptoms of benzene exposure?
What are the acute effects of benzene?
Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure of humans to benzene may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, as well as eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, and, at high levels, unconsciousness.
Can you recover from benzene poisoning?
Benzene poisoning is treated with supportive medical care in a hospital setting. No specific antidote exists for benzene poisoning. The most important thing is for victims to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
What is carcinogenic benzene?
IARC classifies benzene as “carcinogenic to humans,” based on sufficient evidence that benzene causes acute myeloid leukemia (AML). IARC also notes that benzene exposure has been linked with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.