BENZENE
Also known as: Benzol, Mineral Naphtha, Phenyl Hydride, Annulene
Chemical reference number (CAS): 71-43-2
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WHAT IS BENZENE?
Benzene is a widely used industrial chemical. Benzene is found in crude oil and is a
major part of gasoline. It’s used to make plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber
lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. Benzene is produced naturally by
volcanoes and forest fires.
In homes, benzene may be found in glues, adhesives, cleaning products, paint strippers,
tobacco smoke and gasoline. Most benzene in the environment comes from our use of
petroleum products.
Benzene quickly evaporates from water or soil. If benzene leaks from buried storage
tanks or landfills, it can contaminate nearby drinking water wells. Benzene can move long
distances in groundwater.
HOW ARE PEOPLE EXPOSED TO BENZENE?
Breathing: The most common way people are exposed to benzene is when
they fill their car with gasoline. People are also exposed to benzene when they use
household products that contain benzene.
Benzene evaporates quickly from contaminated water. People can be exposed to benzene if
they use contaminated water to bathe, shower, wash dishes or do laundry.
Benzene vapors are present in exhaust from many industries and automobiles. People who
live near highways or industries can be exposed to benzene.
Drinking/Eating: People whose drinking water wells are located within
half a mile of leaking underground storage tank, may be exposed by drinking contaminated
water.
Touching: Benzene can pass through the skin. Benzene exposure through
skin contact with gasoline or other solvents is possible. People can also absorb benzene
as they bathe or shower in contaminated water.
DO STANDARDS EXIST FOR REGULATING BENZENE?
Water: The state and federal drinking water standards for benzene are
both set at 5 parts per billion (ppb). We suggest you stop drinking water that contains
more than 5 ppb of benzene. If the level of benzene in your water is higher than 100 ppb,
you may also need to avoid washing, bathing or using the water for other purposes. Contact
your local public health agency for more information specific to your situation.
Air: No standards exist for the amount of benzene allowed in the air
of homes. We recommend that people with any detectable levels of benzene in the air of
their homes eliminate the source of the contamination (gasoline in cans, contaminated
drinking water, etc.) Most people can smell benzene at levels above 5 parts per million
(ppm) in air.
WILL EXPOSURE TO BENZENE RESULT IN HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS?
Drowsiness, headaches, and dizziness have been reported when people breathed air with
benzene levels of more than 10 ppm for a short time.
The following health effects can occur after several years of exposure to benzene:
Cancer: Long-term exposure to benzene can increase the risk of
developing leukemia.
Reproductive Effects: Animal studies show that inhaling benzene vapors
can damage reproductive organs and cause infertility. Exposure to benzene in workplaces
has caused menstrual variations.
Organ Systems: Exposure to benzene can cause anemia and weaken the
immune system.
In general, chemicals affect the same organ systems in all people who are exposed.
However, the seriousness of the effects may vary from person to person.
A person's reaction depends on several things, including individual health, heredity,
previous exposure to chemicals including medicines, and personal habits such as smoking or
drinking.
It is also important to consider the length of exposure to the chemical; the amount of
chemical exposure; and whether the chemical was inhaled, touched, or eaten.
CAN A MEDICAL TEST DETERMINE EXPOSURE TO BENZENE?
Benzene breaks down in the body to several other compounds. Those compounds can be
found in the blood or urine of people who have been exposed to high levels of benzene
within the past two days. Tests will prove an exposure to benzene occurred but will not
predict the kind of illness that could result. We do not know what level of benzene
break-down products are common in most people, since most people are regularly exposed to
some amount of benzene.
People who think they have been exposed to benzene over a long period of time should
contact their doctor. Physicians can use blood chemistry, liver function and kidney
function tests.
Seek medical advice if you have any symptoms that you think may be related to chemical
exposure
(PPH 4341 Revised 3/2000)
This fact sheet summarizes information about this chemical and is not a complete
listing of all possible effects. It does not refer to work exposure or emergency
situations.
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