Benzene Exposure Risks at Home and Work in Puerto Rico

Benzene is a colorless liquid that evaporates quickly into the air. It is highly flammable and is formed from both natural processes and human activities. Benzene is widely used throughout the United States and ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume.
 
Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals which are used in the production of plastics, resins and nylon, along with other synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. It is a component of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke.
 
Industrial processes are the main source of benzene in the environment and it can pass into the air from both contaminated water and soil.  Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles and industrial emissions.  People can also be exposed to vapors from products that contain benzene, such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents; from air around hazardous waste sites or gas stations; and working in industries that make or use benzene.
 
Breathing very high levels of benzene can result in death, while high levels can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion and unconsciousness. Eating or drinking foods containing high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, irritation of the stomach, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid heart rate and death. The major effect of benzene from long-term exposure is on the blood, causing harmful effects to bone marrow and a decrease in red blood cells. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can impact the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.
 
“The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies benzene as carcinogenic to humans,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “At Zimmetry, we offer testing services for benzene and other organic chemical compounds that can be a hazard to so many workers in industries that utilize these chemicals throughout Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.”
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their air quality, occupational, industrial hygiene, environmental, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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