2. ● There are
approximately 4000
chemicals in
cigarettes, hundreds
of them are toxic.
● The ingredients in
cigarettes affect
nearly all of the
bodies functions.
● They are addictive
and deadly!
3. Benzene is classified as a Group A carcinogen, by
the Environmental Protection Agency.
4. Benzene can be found in pesticides
and gasoline. It has high levels in
cigarette smoke, and is responsible
for half of all human exposure.
5. Benzene found in cigarettes, cause destruction
to all parts of the human body.
6. Benzene is one of the top 20 chemicals
produced in the United States.
Natural sources of Benzene are in volcano
eruptions and forest fires
7. Benzene irritates
the lining of the
airway, exposure
can severely
damage the
lungs causing
fluid
accumulation
and bleeding.
Which can cause
death.
8. Benzene is
stored in fat and
bone marrow
and converted
into metabolites
in the liver and
bone marrow.
Benzene is
excreted in urine
after 48 hours
9. Benzene can cause
leukemia, cancer of
the white blood cells.
Benzene can cause
pancytopenia, a
serious bone marrow
disorder. Individuals
exposed to benzene
have less red blood
cells, white blood cells
and platelets in their
bone marrow.
A low platelet count
can cause
uncontrolled bleeding
and possibly death.
10. Benzene is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon, some cause
pleasant smells, like vanilla. Poison ivy also contains a
benzene ring. We need to look at benzene as a poison and try
to protect ourselves from them. It is interesting that benzene
can be used for fragrances, but also kill you.
11. Reference Slide:
◦ Martin, Terry; The effects of Smoking on Human
Health. 2008, July 20
◦ Martin, Terry; Chemicals in Cigarettes: What they
are and how they harm us. 2012, May 09
◦ Bateman, Cynthia; Health Effects of Benzene.
2010, July 01
◦ St. John M.D., Tina; Harmful Effects of Benzene.
2010, April 04
◦Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
2007, August
