Benzene is a volatile, colorless, and transparent liquid with a strong aromatic odor. It is one of the important pollutants in indoor air. The main harm of benzene to human beings is benzene poisoning. Therefore, experts remind us to actively prevent benzene poisoning.
I. Symptoms of Benzene Poisoning
1. Mild poisoning
Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, tearing, dry throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and unsteady gait;
Skin, nails, and mucous membranes may turn purple, acute conjunctivitis, tinnitus, photophobia, palpitations, and pale complexion.
2. Moderate and severe poisoning
In addition to the above symptoms worsening, there may also be increased drowsiness, slow reaction, mental confusion;
There may also be rapid coma, thin and fast pulse, low blood pressure, cyanosis of the whole body skin and mucous membranes, increased breathing, convulsions, muscle tremors;
Some patients may also experience restlessness, euphoria, delirium, peripheral nerve damage, and even difficulty breathing and shock.
3. Acute benzene poisoning
Characterized by central nervous system depressant anesthesia and can also present with systemic critical symptoms. In severe cases, death can occur within minutes.
It has been reported that people can inhale benzene vapor at a concentration of 800-1000mg/m3 for 4-6 hours without adverse effects.
II. Treatment of Benzene Poisoning
1. Inhalation of benzene vapor
Immediately go to a well-ventilated area with fresh air or wear a mask with activated carbon. Activated carbon can absorb benzene in the air.
2. Accidental ingestion of benzene
Due to the volatility of benzene at room temperature, a portion will evaporate from the skin or be excreted by the liver and kidneys, while the rest will mainly remain in the blood and bone marrow. For mild cases of accidental ingestion, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, wear loose clothing, engage in physical exercise to sweat, and eat foods that are beneficial to the nervous system and blood and bone marrow to help eliminate benzene from the body.
3. Chinese medicine treatment for benzene poisoning
Medications that nourish the kidneys, liver, detoxify, invigorate blood circulation, and nourish blood and bone marrow: Salvia miltiorrhiza, Paeonia lactiflora, licorice, cooked Rehmannia, black beans, Chinese yam, chicken blood vine, angelica, gelatin, black fungus, pig liver, etc.
4. Western medicine treatment for benzene poisoning
Medications that elevate white blood cells: Shark liver oil, Leucogen, Lixue Sheng, B12, RNA, etc.
5. Food therapy for benzene poisoning
Eat more foods that are good for the nervous system and bone marrow: High-protein foods, lean meat, animal liver, quail eggs, sea cucumber, duck blood, bone marrow, animal brains, etc.
Eat more foods that contain vitamin C, B1, B6, B12: Kiwi, sweet potato, lemon, carrot, tofu, nuts, beans, cabbage, millet, wheat germ and bran, meat, milk, eggs, etc.
III. Methods for Preventing Benzene Poisoning
1. Avoid direct contact
Whenever possible, use alternative chemicals instead of benzene, such as using low-toxicity toluene or xylene instead of benzene and its diluents in spray paints.
2. Strengthen ventilation facilities
In all processes involving the use of benzene, in addition to sealing as much as possible, effective ventilation systems should be installed to enhance ventilation.
For processes involving the use of benzene, automatic isolation or remote operation should be implemented as much as possible.
3. Strengthen personal protection
When painting in small and poorly ventilated cabins or containers, ventilation equipment should be equipped, and respiratory devices that provide fresh air should be carried. At least two people should work together to prevent accidents.
4. Regular inspections
Regularly measure the concentration of benzene vapor in the workplace and perform regular medical examinations before and after exposure. If any problems are found, they should be dealt with promptly.
5. Understand the contraindications of working with benzene
People with nerve and hematopoietic system disorders, as well as liver and kidney diseases, should not engage in benzene-related work.
