What is benzene?

Benzene is a colourless, volatile liquid with a characteristic sweet odour.  Each molecule of benzene is composed of a ring of six carbon atoms (each connected to a hydrogen atom). Benzene is the starting material for a range of chemicals used in major industrial manufacturing processes.

How does benzene get into the environment?

The vast majority of benzene emissions are produced from internal combustion engines (i.e. from road traffic) and manufacturing processes, with smaller amounts being produced from fires and recycling processes.

How can I be exposed to benzene?

As a volatile liquid, benzene rapidly evaporates and is a common air pollutant, although generally present in very low concentrations.  Therefore, most exposures are from inhalation.  An additional (significant) source of benzene is from smoking tobacco products. 

If there is benzene in the environment will I have any adverse health effects?

Clearly, in order for benzene to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing or drinking the substance or by skin contact. Following exposure to any hazardous chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the duration of exposure and the way you are exposed.

In general, the concentrations of benzene in the air are very low and are unlikely to contribute to ill health. Short term exposure to low levels of benzene by inhalation can cause irritation to eyes, also drowsiness, dizziness, an increase in heart rate, the onset of headaches, tremors, confusion and in some cases can result in unconsciousness. Exposure to high concentrations of benzene by inhalation can result in death. Long term exposure has been shown to result in a range of diseases such as aplastic anaemia and leukaemia (a type of blood cancer).

Can benzene cause cancer?

Yes.  Benzene is known to produce leukaemia in humans.

Does benzene affect children or damage the unborn child?

There is little information on the effects of benzene on children.  However, they may be more susceptible to the effects of benzene due to their smaller size.  No definite association has been made between exposure during pregnancy and birth defects.  However, exposure to benzene during pregnancy should be avoided.

What should I do if I am exposed to benzene?

You should remove yourself from the source of exposure.

If you have got benzene on your skin, remove soiled clothing, wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10-15 minutes and seek medical advice.

If you have got benzene in your eyes, remove contact lenses, irrigate the affected eye with lukewarm water for at least 10-15 minutes and seek medical advice.

If you have inhaled or ingested benzene, seek medical advice.

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