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BTEX exposure is a very serious concern because of the toxic effects it can have on the human body. BTEX, or benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, are compounds that are commonly found together in contaminated sites. One of the main BTEX contamination sources is from gasoline leakage from faulty or poorly maintained underground storage tanks.

One of the main groups of soluble organic compounds that enters into the soil and groundwater is BTEX. Since BTEX exposure causes serious pollution problems and has both acute and long- term toxic effects, it is important to understand how to identify, eliminate, and diminish BTEX exposure. In the U.S. alone, The Office of Technology Assessment has estimated that there are 2.5 million underground storage tanks that have the potential to pollute both the soil and groundwater.

Soil and groundwater contamination occurs most frequently because of BTEX coming from leaking oil tanks. Of everything that makes up gasoline, BTEX is the largest group that is related to any adverse health effects. While minimal BTEX exposure is not considered to have noticeable effects, the danger of BTEX exposure is that in high concentrations or over a persistent amount of time the toxic effects can greatly affect those exposed.

BTEX exposure can enter the body through contaminated crops, vapor from the soil, contaminated drinking water, as well as direct skin exposure. Benzene has been identified as a human carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent, and is also linked to leukemia. Toulene and xylenes can cause headaches, dizziness, and mucous membrane irritation, but at higher concentrations, exposure can decrease coordination. Long-term exposure to toluene and xylenes has been shown to cause brain damage.

Research continues to be performed on soil and groundwater contamination from BTEX exposure because of the health problems caused. Unfortunately, the constant petroleum product release puts the environment, and subsequently people, at risk for BTEX exposure.