Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is produced by the burning of natural products. It is a component of products derived from coal and petroleum and is found in gasoline and other fuels. Benzene is used in the manufacturing of plastics, detergents, pesticides, and other chemicals. Benzene is also a chemical by-product of refining petroleum.

Workers in these industries are usually exposed to benzene by inhaling the vapors or absorbing it through skin contact. Research has shown benzene to be a carcinogen (cancer causing agent). With exposures from less than 5 years to more than 30 years, individuals have developed, and died from, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Long-term exposure may affect bone marrow and blood production. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, and death. The current permissible exposure level is 1 part of benzene per million parts of air for an 8 hour average, with a short-term exposure limit of 5 parts per million (ppm) parts of air.

Several tests can measure exposure to benzene. There is a test for measuring benzene in the breath which must be done shortly after exposure. Benzene poisoning can also be measured in the blood. However, benzene disappears rapidly from the blood and test results are only accurate if the test is performed after recent exposure.

The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using this chemical at home or work:

• Benzol 90
  
• Pyrobenzol
  
• Polystream
  
• Coal naphtha
  
• Phene