Benzene is derived from oil and is known for its sweet smell and usefulness as a solvent. Unfortunately, it is also known for its carcinogenic side-effects. Used early on in shaving cream and for decaffeinating coffee, now its used as an intermediary to make other products such as styrene, plastics, resins, adhesives and Nylon. The harmful effects from direct contact with this substance include drowsiness, dizziness and, at high levels of exposure, death. Long term effects include damage to the bone marrow, the immune system and the onset of leukemia. Since the damaging effects of benzene have become better known, the chemical has been taken out of many consumer products such as paint, gasoline and thinners. However, unacceptable levels of benzene has been discovered in soft drinks as a byproduct of their manufacture.
Benzene
Last updated, 12/28/2008
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Latest Tweets about this glossary term:
- jbarro - e.g "Not only did I kill him, I hacked his body into 40 pieces & then poured benzene into the public water supply. It was my 50th birthday!"
- steph90peace - @preetiks09 haha i know :( she talks so fast and i don't know how she draws benzene rings so fast O.O
- Cruesatyr - Residents' water, soil, & air become filled w/ benzene, toluene & arsenic from gas drilling. Gas companies shrug & say they can't prove it.
- Cruesatyr - Off-gasing from area natural gas rigs making it hard for people to breathe. Benzene in air. Carcinogen.
- tnbuckeye2 - If I have to draw one more benzene ring I just might kill myself.... Ochem you suck... Grand cayman I can't wait for you!!
- squidco - New @ Squidco: Drip Audio - Inhabitants; NoMoreShapes; Tommy Babin's Benzene; + Scott Looney with Oliver Lake, Lisle Ellis and Paul Smoker!
- HealthWyze - Secret cancerous ingredient in soft drinks that it is never mentioned: sodium benzoate (benzene) - http://bit.ly/akd01q - #health #alt.med
- CarbonPrimo - @wzzntzz How about Agent Archimedes, Hyperbolic Henry, Benzene Billy?
- PlattsPetchems - Spot NWE #benzene prices rise on bullish #styrene http://bit.ly/sty312
- hafsaburtAIA - http://www.thecrunchychicken.com/2010/01/environmental-exposure-and-cancer.html - Good Read, Benzene exposure
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