Ascorbic acid is readily oxidized by dissolved oxygen. This reaction is catalyzed by iron and copper and produces hydroxyl radicals, which can react with benzoic acid, covering it to benzene.
Benzene is a proven human carcinogen. Exposure has been linked to increased risk of several forms of leukemia. The toxicity of benzene has been known since the 19th century when aplastic anemia was first reported.
The first epidemiologic study of benzene by Muzaffer Aksoy, published in 1974 reported a leukemia incidence during 1967 – 1973 of 13/100,000 among 28,500 Turkish shoe workers exposed to benzene at concentrations of 150 to 650 ppm for 4 months to 15 years.
Mehlman (American Journal of Industrial Medicine Volume 20, Issue 5, pages 707–711, 1991) in his paper entitled ‘Benzene Health Effects’ describe a wide range of the hemato-toxicity of benzene. Nilsson R (Occup Environ Med 1998; 55:517-521) describes leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma in seamen to benzene in tankers.
Many mechanisms have been suggested for the carcinogenicity of benzene. One involved modification by benzene or its metabolites of ‘immune surveillance’ thereby allowing development of unusual cellular species that cause leukemia and other neoplasms in humans.
Carcinogenic benzene
