Benzene is a colorless, clear liquid industrial chemical that emits a sweet-smelling odor. This chemical can be found in gasoline and is used in the production of certain types of detergent, nylon, dye and plastic products. The smoke of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, also contains benzene. If you are exposed to benzene, you may develop a number of side effects. Speak with your doctor for further evaluation and care if you have been exposed to high levels of benzene.
Headache
Exposure to airborne benzene can cause headaches to develop in certain people. Headache symptoms can be mild to severe and persist during benzene exposure but typically resolve once you are in an uncontaminated environment.
Nausea
If you are exposed to airborne benzene, you can develop symptoms of stomach upset as a side effect of this chemical. Benzene can induce side effects of nausea or vomiting in certain people, which typically resolve on their own without further treatment. If you ingest benzene, you can experience severe vomiting or breathing difficulties due to this chemical, which may require medical treatment.
Drowsiness
Inhalation of benzene can cause you to become drowsy. You can experience abnormal tiredness or fatigue, which may be accompanied by additional symptoms, such as headache. Exposure to high levels of benzene can cause dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness to occur in certain people.
Decreased Coordination
Prolonged exposure to airborne benzene can cause you to develop decreased coordination. You can feel confused or have difficulty walking normally as a side effect of benzene exposure.
Skin Irritation
If the liquid form of benzene comes in contact with your skin, you can develop a skin reaction. Recurrent or prolonged skin exposure to benzene can cause skin irritation, including redness, itching, flaking, dryness or cracking, explain health professionals at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in Ontario.
Eye Irritation
If your eyes are exposed to liquid or airborne benzene, the sensitive lining of your eyes can become irritated. Side effects of eye irritation include itchy, watery eyes that appear red or bloodshot. Once this chemical is cleared from the eye, symptoms typically resolve completely.
Cancer
The National Cancer Institute reports that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has found that benzene can cause cancer in humans. Prolonged exposure to high levels of benzene can cause leukemia--a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells within the body.
Death
Exposure to excessively high levels of benzene can be fatal. The CCOSH reports that people exposed to 20,000 ppm of benzene can die within five to 10 minutes.
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