Occupational Health Facts

Hazardous Chemicals Barium and Benzene

by www.Aerotechlabs.com

Barium is a naturally occurring, flammable, silver, metal powder. Usually found in the environment as a compound with carbon, oxygen or sulfur, barium compounds are also manufactured for industrial use. Barium compounds are used in the production of various materials including bricks, tiles, glass, rubber, paint, and are used for some medical procedures. Depending upon the compound and level, symptoms of barium exposure can range from respiratory difficulties and eyes, nose, throat, lungs or stomach irritations to brain swelling, organ damage, paralysis, and even death. OSHA and NIOSH have set an occupational exposure limit of 0.5 milligrams of soluble barium compounds per cubic meter of air. Additional limits may also exist depending upon the specific compound and matrices.

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Benzene is a colorless, highly explosive, liquid that is regularly used in the production of rubber, plastics, pesticides, gasoline, and various other products. It can be found naturally occurring, but most benzene in the environment is the result of manufacturing contamination. It commonly enters the environment through a variety of means including car exhaust, industrial pollution, spills, and forest fires. Exposure to benzene usually occurs through workplace inhalation at manufacturing plants. Immediate effects of acute benzene exposure may include shakiness, vomiting, headaches, and loss of consciousness. The ACGIH has designated benzene as a carcinogen and long-term exposure is known to cause leukemia and central nervous system problems. OSHA and NIOSH have both set exposure limits for workplace exposure. OSHA has set up a PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of 3.2 mg/m3. NIOSH has a REL (Recommended Exposure Limit) of 0.32 mg/m3.

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First Published: Late October 2003
Updated: April 2007

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