Benzene is a clear, liquid, petroleum-based chemical that has a sweet smell. Benzene poisoning occurs when someone swallows, breathes in, or touches benzene.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Benzene

People may be exposed to benzene in factories, refineries, and other industrial settings. Benzene may be found in:

• Additives to gasoline and diesel fuel
• Many industrial solvents
• Various paint, lacquer, and varnish removers

Note: This list may not include all sources of benzene.

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Benzene ingestion Symptoms

Review Date: 01/27/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)