How can people be exposed to benzene?
Most people are exposed to a small amount of benzene every day. People can be exposed by breathing air contaminated with benzene. • Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial emissions. • Indoor air usually contains higher levels of benzene because of products that contain it, such as glue, paint, furniture wax, and detergent. • Air around hazardous waste sites or gas stations contains higher levels of benzene. • People working in industries that make or use benzene can be exposed to the highest levels of it. People can be exposed by eating food or drinking water contaminated with benzene. Leaks from underground storage tanks or from hazardous waste sites containing benzene can contaminate well water. A major source of benzene exposure is tobacco smoke. People can absorb benzene through their skin from the air or by touching soil or water that contain benzene.
