NITROBENZENE

Nitrobenzene, a highly toxic substance, is a pale yellow to dark brown oily liquid whose odor resembles bitter almonds or black paste shoe polish. Nitrobenzene is found in some shoe polish, furniture polish and floor polish, leather dressings, paint solvents, gun bluing, and is sometimes used to mask unpleasant odors.

Nitrobenzene can enter your body through inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion. It affects the central nervous system, producing fatigue, headache, vertigo, general weakness, and in some cases severe depression, unconsciousness, and coma. Drinking alcohol increases the toxic effects of nitrobenzene. Chronic exposure to nitrobenzene may lead to spleen and liver damage.

At increased risk are pregnant women (due to the ability of nitrobenzene to cross the placenta), individuals consuming alcoholic beverages, and individuals with glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency. Whenever possible, avoid products that contain nitrobenzene.

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