Benzene in the Environment

Benzene is present naturally in the environment, but natural sources only account for a small percentage of the benzene released into the air, water, and soil each year. Volcanoes, crude oil, and forest fires contribute relatively minor amounts of benzene to the environment. Human activities are responsible for the bulk of benzene releases. Benzene is present in gasoline fumes and in exhaust from industrial facilities that use benzene to manufacture plastics, resins, synthetics, rubber, and other products.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), large amounts of benzene are released into the environment each year-approximately 2 billion pounds were released from 1987 to 1992. The large amount of benzene released is closely linked to its widespread use in industry as well as its presence in gasoline.

Benzene in the Air

Benzene is capable of rapid evaporation, and so it can enter the air through the fumes of products that contain it. Automobile exhaust, manufacturing plant releases, cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and other sources all contribute to the amount of benzene in the air. Benzene can also evaporate from contaminated water or soil. Benzene typically remains the air for several days before decomposing.

Benzene in Water

Benzene is somewhat soluble, although it is also prone to evaporation from surface water. Groundwater is most often contaminated by leaks from underground storage containers, wastewater plants, and manufacturing facilities. When benzene enters the groundwater supply, it can contaminate surrounding wells and make its way into the drinking water supply. Drinking benzene-containing water can be harmful as can showering or bathing in polluted water. The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for benzene at 5 parts per billion.

Benzene in Soil

Benzene often enters the soil due to oil spills and leaks from chemical or manufacturing plants. Polluted rainwater can also leave benzene in the soil, and contaminated groundwater can leach the chemical into the surrounding earth. Some benzene evaporates from the soil into the air, and microbes in the soil cause the remaining benzene to decompose over time.

Benzene in Food

Trace amounts of benzene can be found in some foods, such as eggs, meats, fruits, and vegetables.

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