Why Benzene in Cigarette Smoke Can Damage Your Health

Why Benzene in Cigarette Smoke Can Damage Your Health Addiction Nicotine Use The Inside of Cigarettes Print How Benzene in Cigarette Smoke Can Hurt You By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on July 11, 2016 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD Updated on January 08, 2020 Aminart / Oxford Scientific / Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use The Inside of Cigarettes After You Quit How to Quit Smoking Nicotine Withdrawal Smoking-Related Diseases Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery As of Dec. 20, 2019, the new legal age limit is 21 years old for purchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products in the U.S. Benzene is a  colorless, flammable liquid naturally present in coal tar, crude oil, and as a byproduct of volcanic eruptions and forest fires. It has a sweet smell and evaporates quickly when exposed to the air. Benzene is classified by the  International Agency for Research on Cancer  as a  Group 1 human  carcinogen. Benzene is among the 20 most widely used chemicals in production in the United States today. Its primarily used to make  other chemicals, such as: NylonPolystyrenePesticidesPharmaceuticalsDetergentsDyesExplosivesCarpet glue, spray adhesiveFurniture wax Because benzene is a component of crude oil, it is also present in home heating oil and gasoline. Auto exhaust is responsible for the majority of benzene in outdoor air. Diesel exhaust also contains benzene. The amount of benzene in gasoline has been reduced in recent years following regulations set for MSAT (Mobile Source Air Toxics) by the Environment Protection Agency. The amount of benzene emitted through vehicle exhaust and gas cans should be 61,000 tons less by 2030 due to MSAT restrictions. This will be due in part to newer vehicles that dont emit as many spent fuel toxins into the air. The amount of benzene in gasoline will have decreased by 38% overall as well. Benzene in Cigarette Smoke Benzene is a by-product of the combustion of tobacco in cigarettes. Exposure to cigarette smoke accounts for roughly half of all human exposure to this toxin in the United States. Benzene is extremely volatile. The primary method of exposure is through inhalation. Cigarette smoke is also responsible for most of the benzene present in indoor environments. Smokers and non-smokers alike are exposed to benzene when they breathe in secondhand smoke. How Cigarettes Contain Dangerous Radioactive Chemicals Effects on Human Health Long-term (a year or more) exposure to benzene can produce changes in the blood. It decreases red blood cells and damages bone marrow. This puts people at risk for  aplastic anemia  and excessive bleeding. Benzene is associated with an increased risk of leukemia, specifically,  acute myeloid leukemia. There is concern that benzene may also contribute to acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Benzene exposure can weaken the immune system because it also damages white blood cells. This puts people at risk for more infections. Other Effects of Exposure Although its rare to encounter a high dose of benzene all at once, this kind of exposure through inhalation or ingestion damages the central nervous system and can lead to some dramatic symptoms: ParalysisComaConvulsionsDizzinessSleepinessRapid heart rateTightness in the chestTremorsRapid breathing If You Think You've Been Exposed... If you are in an enclosed space, get outside to fresh air immediately.If the benzene was released outside, move as far away from the area as possible.Remove all of your clothing and quickly wash your body with soap and water as soon as you are able to.If you swallowed benzene, do not try to induce vomiting or drink fluids. Vomit could be sucked into the lungs and damage lung tissue.Call 911 or seek medical care immediately. Benzene is just one of the hundreds of ?poisonous and carcinogenic chemical compounds found in air tainted with cigarette smoke. Breathing in ETS threatens life for smokers and nonsmokers alike. What Are the Ingredients Found in Cigarettes?