What is Benzene?

Benzene is a common chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid when kept at room temperature. Benzene has a somewhat sweet odor and is extremely flammable. When exposed to the air benzene evaporates very quickly. Benzene vapor is heavier than air and may sink into low-lying areas. Benzene only partially dissolves in water and will float on top of water, like oil.

 
Where benzene is found and how it is used?

Benzene is formed from both natural processes and human activities. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Benzene is one of the most commonly used industrial chemicals used in the United States today. It ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production by volume. Benzene is often used in the process of making plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.

How you could be exposed to benzene?

Outdoor air contains very low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions. Indoor air generally contains levels of benzene higher than those in outdoor air. Benzene found indoors comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents. The air around hazardous waste sites or gas stations often contains elevated levels of benzene than other areas. Benzene leaks from underground storage tanks or from hazardous waste sites containing benzene can contaminate well water. People working in industries that make or use benzene may be exposed to the highest levels of the dangerous chemical. Tobacco smoke is a major source of benzene.

How does benzene harm you? 
Benzene exposure can cause cells not to work properly. For example, it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Benzene can also damage the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells. The seriousness of poisoning caused by benzene depends on the amount, route, and length of time of exposure, as well as the age and preexisting medical condition of the exposed person.