Benzene

GENERAL INFORMATION
Benzene, a volatile organic chemical, is a clear, colorless aromatic liquid. It is highly flammable. It is formed through natural processes, such as volcanoes and forest fires. It is also formed from industrial processes. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke. The greatest use of benzene is as a building block for making plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Other uses include: as a solvent in printing, paints, dry cleaning, etc. The major sources of benzene in drinking water are discharge from factories; and leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing benzene well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience anemia or a decrease in blood platelets, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Standard value 1: 
5.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
VOC
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Benzene levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Benzene levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
detection suggest human source
Major sources in drinking water: 
Discharge from factories; Leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) are considered the best available technologies (BAT) for treatment of many organic contaminants including organic pesticides, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and Trihalomethanes (THMs) (by-products of chlorination). Treatment can be at the tap (called point of use or POU) or the entire house.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS