benzene poisoning, a toxic condition caused by ingestion of benzene, inhalation of benzene fumes, or exposure to benzene-related products such as toluene or xylene, characterized by blurred vision, nausea, headache, dizziness, and incoordination. In acute cases, respiratory failure, convulsions, or ventricular fibrillation may cause death. Chronic exposure may result in aplastic anemia (a form of leukemia). See also nitrobenzene poisoning.
