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Safety and Health Topics Benzene In Focus Hot Topics Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is produced by the burning of natural products. It is a component of products derived from coal and petroleum and is found in gasoline and other fuels. Benzene is used in the manufacture of plastics, detergents, pesticides, and other chemicals. Research has shown benzene to be a carcinogen (cancer-causing). With exposures from less than five years to more than 30 years, individuals have developed, and died from, leukemia. Long-term exposure may affect bone marrow and blood production. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, and death. The following questions link to information relevant to benzene in the workplace. What OSHA standards apply? Standards | Preambles to Final Rules | Federal Registers | Directives | More How do I recognize benzene hazards? How can I evaluate benzene exposure in the workplace? What are some possible solutions for workplace hazards? What additional information is available? Related Safety and Health Topics Pages | Training | Other Resources In Focus Hot Topics Standard on Benzene; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements. OSHA Federal Register Notice 71:29986-29987, (2006, May 24).  Safety and  Health Topics     Benzene   OSHA Standards   Hazard Recognition   Exposure Evaluation   Possible Solutions   Additional Information   Credits   Content Reviewed 11/15/2006

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