Benzene Convention


The Benzene Convention is an International Labour Organization standard adopted in 1971 which seeks to regulate exposure to benzene processes and products at work.
Benzene is a classified carcinogen that significantly increases the risk of developing cancer and is a common cause for bone marrow failure. Recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as "known to be carcinogenic to humans"... Benzene is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. In 1948 the American Petroleum Institute stated that "the only absolutely safe concentration for. benzene is zero". Despite this warning benzene remains a natural component of gasoline and other widely used fuels, making human benzene exposure a constant global health concern. Beyond carcinogenic effects benzene damages vital organs including the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart and brain. Additionally benzene is also known to induce DNA strand breaks, chromosomal damage and exhibits mutagenic and teratogenic properties.
The 1971 benzene convention addressed workers exposure to benzene along with products that contains benzene. Within the 22 articles of this convention, each addressing issues with benzene exposure, highlights ways in which we can limit benzene exposure among workers.
Article 1 of the convention defines benzene as a hydrocarbon and includes products that contain benzene that could cause exposure.
Article 2 of the convention states that if a harmless or less harmful product substitute is available then they must be used instead of benzene. It's important to note this article does not pertain to the production or use of benzene.
Article 3 of the convention gives countries the right to change benzene regulation within the country and allows proposals for further action needed.
Article 4 of the convention prohibits the use of benzene and products in certain work spaces which are regulated by national law. This is not limited to work processes that require benzene, these processes are to be carried out in a controlled environment or equally safe environments.
Article 5 of the convention solidifies that proper measures and hygiene must be up-kept to ensure the protection of the worker.
Article 6 of the convention requires that wherever benzene is manufactured, handled, or utilized, all measures must be taken in order to prevent the escape of benzene vapor into a workplace. It also limits the maximum exposure to 25 parts per million. This article also gives authority to the employer to ensure these concentrations stay within the limit.
Article 7 of the convention restricts work processes that involve benzene to be done in an enclosed environment unless unfeasible. In this case a space must effectively remove benzene vapor enough to ensure the protection of health of the workers.
Article 8 of the convention states that workers that may come into any contact with benzene will be provided with proper PPE against absorption or inhalation.
Article 9 of the convention requires all workers that can be exposed to benzene in a work environment must undergo a pre-employment screening including additional periodic screenings while working in the environment.
Article 10 of the convention adds to the previous article stating that all examinations must be done by a certified physician at no cost to the worker.
Article 11 of the convention prohibits pregnant women and nursing mothers along with individuals under the age of 18 from exposure to benzene or benzene products while at work.

Ratifications

, the convention has been ratified by 38 countries.
The United States is not listed as benzene exposure and limits are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.
CountryDate
Joined		Status
FranceJune 30, 1972In Force1
IraqJuly 27,1972In Force2
HungarySeptember 11, 1972In Force3
CubaNovember 17, 1972In Force4
Côte d'IvoireFebruary 21, 1973In Force5
SpainMay 8, 1973In Force6
ZambiaMay 24, 1973In Force7
GermanySeptember 26, 1973In Force8
KuwaitMarch 29, 1974In Force9
MoroccoJuly 22, 1974In Force10
SwitzerlandMarch 25, 1975In Force11
EcuadorMarch 27, 1975In Force12
RomaniaNovember 6, 1975In Force13
FinlandJanuary 13, 1976In Force14
ColombiaNovember 16,1976In Force15
GreeceJanuary 24, 1977In Force16
BoliviaJanuary 31, 1977In Force17
Syrian Arab RepublicFebruary 7, 1977In Force18
GuineaMay 26, 1977In Force19
UruguayJune 2, 1977In Force20
IsraelJune 21, 1979In Force21
ItalyJune 23, 1981In Force22
NicaraguaOct 1, 1981In Force23
GuyanaJanuary 10, 1983In Force24
MaltaMay 18, 1990In Force25
IndiaJune 11, 1991In Force26
CroatiaOctober 8, 1991In Force27
North MacedoniaNovember 17, 1991In Force28
SloveniaMay 29, 1992In Force29
SlovakiaJanuary 1, 1993In Force30
CzechiaJanuary 1, 1993In Force31
BrazilMarch 24, 1993In Force32
Bosnia and HerzegovinaJune 2, 1993In Force33
ChileOctober 14, 1994In Force34
LebanonFebruary 23, 2000In Force35
SerbiaNovember 24, 2000In Force36
MontenegroJune 3, 2006In Force37
LuxembourgApril 8, 2008In Force38