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Ways to Be Exposed to Benzene

A colorless, sweet-smelling liquid, benzene is one of the most pernicious carcinogenic molecules. It is impossible to completely avoid exposure to benzene, because it is a component of automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, industrial emissions and common household building materials. Although benzene is also a common low-level contaminant of water supplies, inhalation is the most common route of benzene exposure.

  1. Cigarettes

    • Cigarette smoke is the most common cause of benzene exposure. Inhaling cigarette smoke deposits benzene vapor directly into the delicate tissue of the lungs. The average smoker takes in about 1.8 mg of benzene per day, which is about 10 times the exposure of a nonsmoker. Secondhand smoke is also a significant source of benzene, especially indoors.

    Industrial Emissions

    • Industry is the largest source of atmospheric benzene.

      First isolated in the 1800s as a derivative of coal tar, benzene is now primarily a byproduct of petroleum processing, and ranks among the top 20 U.S. chemical products by volume. Benzene is also common in the manufacture of nylon, polyester, plastic resins and Styrofoam. Pollution from the coal and petroleum processing industries can affect community air and water supplies. Workers in carpet, tire or coal plants are also likely to face dangerous levels of benzene exposure.

    Automotive

    • Gasoline is the second largest source of atmospheric benzene. Most individual exposures come from auto exhaust, and contact with gasoline or gasoline vapor (e.g., at fueling stations). Employees who regularly work with gasoline may be exposed to much higher levels of benzene than the average person.

    Water

    • Although atmospheric benzene is more common, benzene also occurs in water supplies in many areas of North America. Exposure to benzene through the gastrointestinal tract is much more hazardous than exposure through air; while only 50 percent of inhaled benzene is absorbed into the bloodstream, nearly 100 percent of benzene entering the digestive tract makes its way into the blood.

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