Indoor Air pollution
...zene per million parts of air (ppm) and smell benzene in water at 2 ppm. Most people can begin to taste benzene in water at 0.5–4.5 ppm. Benzene is found in air, water, and soil. Benzene found in the environment is from both human activities and natural processes. Benzene was first discovered and isolated from coal tar in the 1800s. Today, benzene is made mostly from petroleum sources. Benzene is also used for the manufacturing of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil and gasoline and cigarette smoke. Routes of Exposure Inhalation: Most exposures to benzene occur by inhalation. Its odor threshold generally provides adequate warning of acutely hazardous concentrations Skin/Eye Contact: Benzene splashed in the eyes can result in pain and corneal injury. Repeated or prolonged skin contact with liquid benzene can degrease the skin, causing it to crack and peel. Ingestion: Acute toxic effects can result from ingestion of benzene. A burning sensation of the oral mucous membranes, esophagus, and sto...