ACUTE BENZENE POISONING - A REPORT OF 3 FATALITIES

The toxicity of benzene is well established, particularly its chronic effects on the hematopoietic system and its role as a carcinogen. Acut e effects are known but less well documented. This case report describ es three cases of acute benzene poisoning resulting from an industrial accident aboard a chemical cargo ship. Complete autopsies were perfor med on all three victims, who showed evidence of cutaneous, respirator y and cerebral injury. In addition, body fluids, brain, body fat, live r and lung were analyzed for benzene, levels of which were consistent with the lipid soluble nature of benzene, although body fat showed bet ter correlation with blood levels than brain, liver or bile.