Introduction
It is probable that an individual can come into contact through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Skin contact with consumer goods (such as cigarettes, carpet glue, varnish, paint, and automotive items), drinking contaminated water, or breathing in polluted air can increase the likelihood of ethylbenzene exposure. Moreover, it has been discovered that the concentration of ethylbenzene in indoor air is higher than that in outdoor air.
Ethylbenzene is released into the environment as a result of everyday human activities such as operating gasoline-powered vehicles, boats, and airplanes, using gasoline-powered tools and equipment, and using paints, varnishes, and solvents. However, the effects of ethylbenzene exposure on humans depend on a number of circumstances. These variables include the dosage (amount), the duration (length of time), the mode of exposure, any additional chemicals people may be exposed to, age, sex, nutrition, family history, way of living, and general health.
What Is Ethylbenzene?
Ethyl benzene, also referred to as ethyl benzyl or alpha-methyl toluene, belongs to benzene and associated derivative compounds. It is a colorless liquid that is extremely explosive and smells a lot like gasoline. This monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon plays a crucial role in the petrochemical industry as a reaction intermediate in producing styrene, the precursor of polystyrene, a widely used plastic substance. The majority of the ethylbenzene that is generated in the US is used to make styrene. Latex, synthetic rubber, and polystyrene resins are all made with styrene as key ingredients. These resins are used to create a variety of items, including plastic containers, packaging, disposable cups, and insulation. In addition, fuels and solvents contain ethylbenzene. Furthermore, water and soil both readily release ethylbenzene into the atmosphere, and the soil might be polluted by ethylbenzene.
How Will a Healthy Human Body Metabolize It if Exposed to Ethylbenzene?
Ethylbenzene enters the body rapidly and almost entirely through the lungs when people are exposed to it through the air. Ethylbenzene can enter the body through the digestive system when it is present in food or drink. When people come into contact with liquids containing ethylbenzene, it could enter through their skin. Ethylbenzene is converted into various compounds once inside the body. Most of these other substances leave the body in two days and are excreted in the urine. Ethylbenzene can also leave the body in small amounts through the lungs and feces.
How Is Ethylbenzene Exposure Assessed?
Those who have been exposed to ethylbenzene can have their blood and breath tested for ethylbenzene. These metabolites leave the body relatively fast, thus this should be done shortly after exposure.
The breakdown products in the urine can be measured in a lab to detect ethylbenzene exposure. However, similar breakdown products can also form when people are exposed to other compounds, such as styrene. Therefore, the type of health impact that might arise from that exposure cannot be predicted just by the presence of these metabolites in the urine.
What Are the Health Effects of Ethylbenzene Exposure?
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There have been reports of short-term airborne exposure to high quantities of ethylbenzene that cause irritation to the eyes and throat. Higher exposure levels can cause vertigo and dizziness.
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After being exposed for a brief period of time to 10,000 ppm ethylbenzene in humans, eye discomfort was noted. Those exposed to 1,000 ppm ethylbenzene experienced brief eye discomfort, a burning sensation, and excessive lacrimation. After acute exposure to 2,000 ppm ethylbenzene, soreness and tightness in their chests were reported. Once the concentration was increased to 5,000 ppm, these symptoms got worse. Ethylbenzene doses in humans between 2,000 and 5,000 ppm have been linked to nausea and vomiting.
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If exposure is brief, there is full recovery. Compared to those who were not exposed, according to reports, workers who were occupationally exposed to solvent mixtures including ethylbenzene had a higher prevalence of hearing loss.
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Given the paucity of information on people, it is presumed that harmful outcomes seen in animals, such as cancer, tumors in the kidneys, lungs, and liver, as well as severe inner ear impairment leading to hearing loss, are relevant to humans.
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Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency has not established that ethylbenzene is a carcinogen, despite the fact that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classed it as a potential carcinogen.
How Can Ethylbenzene Exposure Be Prevented?
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Proper Ventilation: To reduce exposure to ethylbenzene vapors from consumer goods like gasoline, insecticides, varnishes and paints, freshly laid carpeting, and automotive products, use proper ventilation.
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Keep Out of Reach of Children: Occasionally older kids would sniff common household substances which may affect their health. By inhaling goods containing it, such as paints, varnishes, or gasoline, the kids may be exposed to ethylbenzene. To avoid unintentional poisonings, always keep household chemicals in their original, labeled containers away from small children. Never keep household chemicals within reach of children in bottles that kids would find appealing to eat or drink from, such as empty soda bottles. Petroleum products should be kept in cans with secure lids.
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Keep Out of the Kitchen: Never keep dangerous chemicals close to food or food-related goods. Keep dangerous chemicals away from kitchenware, such as pots, pans, and cooking utensils, used to prepare and cook food.
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Waste Management: People should dispose of anything that is leaking, past its expiration date, or just looks bad. Never pour it down the drain as it may end up polluting the groundwater.
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Follow the Guidelines: Always adhere to product instructions.
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Avoid Smoking or Being Exposed to Exhaled Smoke: The chemical ethylbenzene is found in tobacco smoke. Avoid smoking in enclosed settings like the home or automobile to prevent exposure to children and other family members.
Conclusion
The environment contains a significant amount of ethylbenzenes, but low. Despite the fact that ethylbenzene environmental levels are often low and hence have minimal effect on public health, it is nevertheless vital to be cautious of the surroundings and take the necessary preventive measures.
