Certified Safety Professional Practice Exam

The correct choice highlights that short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness and dizziness. Benzene is a volatile organic compound that, when inhaled at elevated concentrations, can disrupt the central nervous system. This disruption may manifest as a range of neurological effects, including sedation, dizziness, and impaired coordination.

Benzene is also associated with more severe effects like headaches and even potential loss of consciousness at very high concentrations. The body's response to benzene is generally in line with the characteristics of a toxic exposure, where high levels can lead to a state of acute intoxication, hence the feelings of drowsiness and dizziness.

The other options describe effects that would not typically be associated with benzene exposure. Increased energy levels and improved cognitive function would suggest a stimulant effect, which does not align with the known depressant effects of benzene. Similarly, reduced heart rate is not a symptom associated with benzene exposure; rather, it could lead to irregular heart rhythms or increased heart rate in certain situations, contradicting the notion of a calming or sedative effect.