Benzene
What is Benzene?
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Benzene is a speculated, although not yet confirmed, carcinogen. Exposure to it, increases the chances of a person getting leukemia and has serious short term and long term effects. It is a colorless, flammable, sweet smelling liquid and evaporates quickly into the air.
It is formed from natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires. However, human exposure to benzene is mostly caused by human activities. For example, it is used in making chemicals such as plastic, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, drugs, cigarettes and pesticides. Also, it is also a natural part of crude oil and gasoline therefore much exposure comes from motor vehicle exhaust.
The Problem
Both Canadians and Americans are exposed to higher concentration of benzene than ever before. The two major reasons are because of the benzene produced from motor vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke.
People in developed countries, particularly Canadians and Americans are very dependent on their motor vehicles as a means of transportation. Unfortunately, most do not realize the effects of this dependence. Not only does motor vehicle exhaust result in air pollution, it increases the chances of getting leukemia.
Smokers inhale about ten times more benzene than non-smokers which significantly increases the chances of getting leukemia.
What is the Government Doing about Benzene Levels?
Government agencies regulate benzene levels and exposure.
Taking Action
However, these limitations are not enough. It is not fair to put people's health at risk and increase their chances of getting leukemia.
Benzene is a natural part of crude oil and gasoline thus it would be best to reduce the usage of motor vehicles so that less evaporates into the air. Furthermore, people should not be allowed to smoke in small areas with limited ventilation because the concentration of benzene will be a lot higher therefore the exposure will be more dangerous.
It is formed from natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires. However, human exposure to benzene is mostly caused by human activities. For example, it is used in making chemicals such as plastic, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, drugs, cigarettes and pesticides. Also, it is also a natural part of crude oil and gasoline therefore much exposure comes from motor vehicle exhaust.
The Problem
Both Canadians and Americans are exposed to higher concentration of benzene than ever before. The two major reasons are because of the benzene produced from motor vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke.
People in developed countries, particularly Canadians and Americans are very dependent on their motor vehicles as a means of transportation. Unfortunately, most do not realize the effects of this dependence. Not only does motor vehicle exhaust result in air pollution, it increases the chances of getting leukemia.
Smokers inhale about ten times more benzene than non-smokers which significantly increases the chances of getting leukemia.
What is the Government Doing about Benzene Levels?
Government agencies regulate benzene levels and exposure.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) considers any product containing 5% or more by weight of benzene to be hazardous, requiring special labeling.
- The EPA limits the percentage of benzene allowed in gasoline to an average of 0.62% by volume (with a maximum of 1.3%).
- OSHA limits exposure to benzene in the air in most workplaces to 1 ppm (part per million) during an average workday and a maximum of 5 ppm over any 15-minute period. When working at potentially higher exposure levels, OSHA requires employers to provide personal protective equipment such as respirators.
Taking Action
However, these limitations are not enough. It is not fair to put people's health at risk and increase their chances of getting leukemia.
Benzene is a natural part of crude oil and gasoline thus it would be best to reduce the usage of motor vehicles so that less evaporates into the air. Furthermore, people should not be allowed to smoke in small areas with limited ventilation because the concentration of benzene will be a lot higher therefore the exposure will be more dangerous.