Benzene Contamination

Benzene contamination occurs when benzene enters substances that don''t ordinarily contain it, like drinking water. Levels of benzene contamination vary according to concentration. OSHA''s acceptable exposure level is 1 ppm. Still, even low-level benzene contamination raises health concerns, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health suggests benzene contamination levels in the air not exceed 0.1 ppm. A major source of benzene contamination is runoff from industrial sites where the benzene seeps into the ground, contaminating soil and groundwater. Benzene contamination continues when the benzene evaporates, creating harmful vapors. Vapors from household products can cause benzene contamination, as well. Furniture wax, paints, glues, and detergents all emit benzene. Benzene contamination of beverages can happen during the bottling process because plastics contain benzene. Manufactured sources of benzene contamination are only one type; there are also natural causes. Volcanoes and forest fires produce benzene contamination since benzene is a natural by-product of the burning process. Other natural sources of benzene contamination include crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Some areas that are prone to benzene contamination are easily identified: air around hazardous waste sites and gas stations contains higher benzene levels. Benzene contamination can lead to serious diseases, including rare types of cancer. In addition, exposure to benzene contamination causes immediate effects including drowsiness, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Benzene contamination in food or water can also cause vomiting, stomach irritation, convulsions, and even death. While benzene contamination causes serious long-term health issues, benzene itself disappears rapidly from the blood. If benzene contamination is suspected, the individual exposed should be tested as soon as possible for exposure. Benzene contamination of air or soil can be easily detected using the proper environmental monitoring equipment.

Benzene Breaking News

"Mercer Rubber Company Faces Multiple Lawsuits"

Four new lawsuits were recently filed in a New Jersey Superior Court against the now defunct Mercer Rubber Company. Plaintiffs in the cases claim that toxic waste from one of t...

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"Benzene Found in Children’s Drinks"

Recent reports indicate the presence of two ingredients found in popular children''s drinks that mix together to form the cancer-causing chemical benzene. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) sent a request to the Food and Drug Administration yesterda...

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"FDA Re-opens Investigation of Benzene Contaminated Soft Drinks"

The Food and Drug Administration re-opened an investigation into benzene contaminated soft drinks when recent tests identified levels of benzene in some soft drinks were up to five times the legal limit for drinking water.

Ben...

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Benzene Contamination

Benzene Breaking News

"Mercer Rubber Company Faces Multiple Lawsuits"

"Benzene Found in Children’s Drinks"

"FDA Re-opens Investigation of Benzene Contaminated Soft Drinks"

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