Benzene—a Review of the Literature from a Health Effects Perspective

Abstract

A literature review of the impact on human health of exposure to benzene was conducted. Special emphasis in this report is given to the health effects reported in excess of national norms by participants in the Benzene Subregistry of the National Exposure Registry— people having documented exposure to benzene through the use of benzene-contaminated water for domestic purposes. The health effects reported in excess (p ≤.01) by some or all of the sex and age groups studied were diabetes, kidney disease, respiratory allergies, skin rashes, and urinary tract disorders; anemia was also increased for females, but not significantly so.