Hazard Identification and Dose-Response Assessment Mark Key Milestone in Benzene Chemical Control
The substantial use of Benzene in the creation of different polymers, resins, and man-made fibers makes the chemical an unavoidable material across different industries.
- By Emmanuel A Adebanjo
- Jul 25, 2025
Being able to identify the hazard (toxic effects of benzene) and assess the risk (dose, route of exposure, length, and pattern of benzene) harmful to animals and humans is useful in addressing the adverse health effects.
Growing concerns
Around 10 kg/ton of benzene enters the environment through industrial discharges, the burning of gasoline, and the production of petrochemicals, as people are exposed to benzene in their surroundings, at workplaces, and in their place of residence.
Affected industry and Sources of exposure
Workers in steel manufacturing, printing, leather, petrochemicals, and plastics industries are exposed to benzene at high levels through inhalation, dermal absorption, and ingestion.
Hazards of Benzene Exposure and Toxic Effects
Benzene exposure has been linked to the development of cancer and blood diseases in laboratory animals and human subjects. In humans, the incidence of lymphoma is prevalent, but in animals, the development of a tumor in the ear canal of benzene-treated rats demonstrated the effect of benzene.
Even though the manifestation of diseases in both humans and animals is scientifically proven, the risk of disease manifestation is higher among humans than animals.
Dose, Route, Length, Pattern of Benzene Exposure and Toxic Effects
Benzene exposure at 1 part per million < less is linked to decreased blood count and progenitor cell colony formation in humans, and at < 10 parts per million it is linked to elevated risk of blood disorders.
Benzene concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight/day is linked to impaired performance, anxiety, cerebellum alteration, deoxyribonucleic acid and protein adducts in the liver and bone marrow of rats.
Way forward
The current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended threshold limit value for benzene cannot adequately protect workers against the adverse effects of benzene exposure, especially for genetically susceptible workers. There is need to implement stringent protective measures in the workplace to mitigate benzene exposure. These includes stringent regulations and monitoring standards beyond the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standard, hierarchy of controls starting with Elimination of benzene-induced activity if reasonably practicable, Substitution of benzene with less toxic chemicals, Engineering control – installing LEV at the point source, installing DV to reduce airborne concentrations, Administrative control – minimizing the duration of exposure through flexible work rotations, training & education, conducting routine monitoring of occupational exposure limits, conducting regular health surveillance, Using NIOSH approved PPE (respirators) as the last resort if all the controls failed, benzene-resistant hand gloves and protective clothing.
About the Author
Emmanuel A. Adebanjo is a certified Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Expert with several years of experience in the field of health, safety, and environment. Emmanuel A. Adebanjo has utilized various hazard identification, risk assessment, and environmental impact assessment tools to identify and mitigate potential hazards and risks to individuals and the environment, and successfully developed and implemented programs, policies, and SOPs, significantly reducing occupational injuries, diseases and environmental damage.