Benzene

Benzene is a clear, colourless, flammable liquid. Benzene can originate from natural sources (crude oil) or be produced from chemical processes. It is mainly produced from the petrochemical industry and is also found in cigarette smoke.

Benzene is used as a laboratory solvent and a precursor to chemicals such as styrene and cyclohexane. It is also used in the manufacturing of products such as rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides.

Read our Benzene Technical Sheet.

Harms

Depending on the concentration and duration of use, Benzene can result in different degrees of harm to workers.

Brief exposure to high concentrations of Benzene can cause:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• headaches
• tremors
• confusion
• unconsciousness
• nose and throat irritation.

Chemical pneumonia or death

Like other hydrocarbons, Benzene can cause a chemical pneumonia if it is aspirated. Inhalation of very large amounts of Benzene can also result in death.

Skin irritation

Prolonged or repeated contact with the skin causes redness, drying and cracking because Benzene dissolves and removes the protective natural oils from the skin.

Blood-related illness

Benzene can also cause blood-related illnesses ranging from anaemia and excessive bleeding, to decreased immune response.

Cancer

Benzene is also a proven human carcinogen as it can cause blood cancer (leukemia).

Control measures

SafeWork NSW recommends you follow a hierarchy of controls (PDF 30kb) to eliminate or minimise a hazard.

Eliminate the use of Benzene

Wherever possible eliminate the use of Benzene if reasonably practicable.

Ensure exhaust ventilation

Where benzene is not used in a closed system (such as laboratories) or is present as a contaminant of workplace air (such as car repair shops), ensure good local exhaust ventilation.

Minimise vapours and mists

Adequate controls such as minimising the generation of vapours and mists and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can minimise any hazardous exposures and prevent illness in the workplace.

Wear chemical-resistant gloves and PPE

Avoid skin contact by wearing chemical-resistant gloves and other PPE.

Instruct and train workers in the correct fitting, use and maintenance of PPE.

Use engineering controls around closed systems

Employ engineering controls to reduce fugitive emissions during transfers between closed systems.

Eliminate the need to break open closed systems.

Follow instructions and controls supplied

Ensure that instructions and controls outlined in safety data sheets, manufacturers specifications, product labels and any instructions provided by supervisors and managers are followed.

More information

Poisons Information Centre

In the event of suspected exposure, call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126.

Benzene technical sheet

Read our Benzene Technical Sheet for more information or call us on 13 10 50.

Safe disposal

For information on safe disposal refer to information labels, Safety Data Sheets and the NSW Environmental Protection Agency.