Chemical contamination, precariousness, illness and death at work: benzene in Brazil

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 22; no. 8; pp. 2681 - 2692
• Main Authors: Costa, Danilo Fernandes, Goldbaum, Moisés
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese; Spanish
• Published: Brazil Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva - ABRASCO 01-08-2017
• Subjects: Benzene - toxicity; Brazil; Environmental Exposure - adverse effects; Environmental Exposure - legislation & jurisprudence; Environmental Exposure - prevention & control; Environmental Pollution - adverse effects; Environmental Pollution - legislation & jurisprudence; Humans; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational Exposure - legislation & jurisprudence; Occupational Exposure - prevention & control; Estados Unidos
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232017228.31042016

The toxicity of benzene is widely known, and types of illnesses linked to it have been increasing. This article traces the historical trajectory and the findings related to the diseases, combined with the displacement of industrial activities from central countries to peripheral ones. In this process, there are correlations in prevention of benzene exposure. In Brazil, the application of regulations was analyzed to identify their impact because information on environmental contamination and diseases is very precarious. Formal legislation prevailed without records of its application. Only when workers and technicians mobilized did advances occur.