Page 153 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

Z
BENZENE

Interesting Facts

• Kekule ´’s discovery of the of a snake with a tail in its
formula for benzene is one mouth. Kekule ´ immediately
of the most interesting in awoke, went to his work
the history of chemistry. table, and drew a structure
The story is told that he for the benzene molecule
worked so hard on the inspired by the snake: a
problem that he often molecule in the shape of
dreamed about the aringmadeofcarbon
compound at night. atoms.
One evening, he dreamed

cleaning purposes, in chemical reactions, and as a gasoline
additive.
As with most chemicals, benzene can enter the body
in one of three ways: through the skin, the nose, or the
throat. People who handle or work with benzene in their
workplaces are at greatest risk of exposure to benzene
andshouldtakeprecautions in workingwiththe mate-
rial. Because of its serious health hazards, benzene is no
longer included in most materials with which the average
person comes into contact. On those occasions when a
person does come into contact with benzene, first aid
and medical attention should be sought for treatment of
the exposure.

The health effects of exposure to liquid benzene or
benzene fumes depends on the amount of benzene taken
into the body. The most common symptoms of benzene
exposure include irritation of the mucous membranes, con-
vulsions, depression, and restlessness. At greater doses, a
person may experience respiratory failure, followed by
death. Even at low concentrations, benzene can cause long-
term effects for people who are regularly in contact with
the compound. The most important of these effects are
carcinogenic. Benzene is known to cause damage to bone
marrow, resulting in a form of cancer of the blood known as
leukemia.

102 CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS