Definition

This is poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching benzene. Benzene is a clear liquid chemical that has a sweet smell.

Poisonous Ingredient

Benzene

Where Found

  • Various paint, lacquer, and varnish removers
  • Multiple industrial solvents
  • Additives to gasoline and other fuels
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. This can be a very serious poisoning.

DO NOT make a person throw up unless you are told to do so by a doctor or poison control.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • The patient's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

  • Fluids by IV
  • Oxygen
  • Breathing tube
  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage) 
  • Medicines to treat an allergic reaction (diphenhydramine, prednisone)
  • Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach
  • Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days

In severe cases, the patient may be admitted to the hospital.

Expectations (prognosis)

Benzene is extremely poisonous. Poisoning can cause rapid death. However, deaths have occurred as late as 3 days after the poisoning. This happens because the lungs stop working (respiratory arrest), the heart stops (cardiac arrest), or permanent brain damage occurs.

People who are continuously exposed to low-levels of benzene can also become sick. The most common problems are blood diseases, including severe anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma. People who work with benzene products should only do so in areas with good air flow. They should also use protective gloves and eye glasses.

Review Date:3/13/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.