Complete autopsies performed on the three victims showed acute cutaneous, respiratory, and cerebral injuries. Body fluids, brain, body fat, liver, and lung were examined for benzene; results showed the levels were consistent with the lipid soluble nature of benzene, although body fat showed better correlation with blood levels than brain, liver, or lung samples. The mechanism by which benzene causes death in acute exposure could be either through its anesthetic properties with resultant respiratory arrest and death or through the production of a fatal arrhythmia in an adrenalin primed myocardium. Workers whose occupation may involve the risk of chronic exposure to benzene should wear protective clothing which reduces the likelihood of cutaneous absorption. 2 tables, 1 figure, and 12 references