Benzene (C6H6) (vvimp)

Characteristics:- Volatile, Colourless, Clear, Flammable Liquid & a Natural Constituent of Crude Oil. Uses:- 1) Used as a Solvent in Adhesives & Paint Removers 2) It is used in Rubber & Shoe Industry 3) As a Starter Material for Synthesis of Plastics & Explosives Route of Entry:Mainly by Inhalation & Skin Contact Uses:- A) Acute:1) Headache 2) Tiredness 3) Nausea 4) Dizziness 5) Narcosis 6) Loss Of Consciousness B) Chronic:- 1) depression of bone marrow & increased risk of Aplastic Anaemia & Leukemia. It is also suspected to cause Multiple Myeloma. Types of Leukemias produced by Benzene a) Most Common Acute Non Lymphocytic Myeloblastic Myeloid Leukemia b) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia 3) Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia 4) Erythro Leukemia The Latent Period is around 10 years. 2) Hemopoietic Effects:- a) Leucocytopenia b) Thrombocytopenia c) pancytopenia d) In Severe Cases Fetal Aplastic Anaemia e) Spleenomegale with Hemolysis f) Hyperbilirubinemia g) Punctate Basophilic Stippling of Erythrocytes & Marrow Hyperplegia 3) C.N.S.:-a) Behavioral & Psycho Motor Changes b) Labyrinthine, Vestibular & Acoustic Impairment. 4) Carcinogenicity:- according to ACGIH Benzene is a confirmed human carcinogen. 5) It acts on Myocardium & Arrhythmias develop. Metabolism:- 1) 50% of absorbed Benzene is excreted unchanged in inhaled breath. 2) Metabolism occurs via Cytochrome P450 System in the Liver. Among the metabolites that appear in the urine are a) Phenol b) Catachol c) Quinol 3) ACGIH has suggested S-Phenyl Mercaptopuric Acid in urine for Biological Monitoring PEL OSHA is 1 ppm 4) Biological Monitoring Determinants of Benzene in urine are t,t-Muconic Acid