Category:Indoor air pollutants

Benzene

Definition

Benzene (C6H6) is a colourless, liquid aromatic hydrocarbon. It evaporates very easily, emitting toxic and flammable vapours.

Predominant sources of emissions

Benzene in indoor air can come from outdoor air and also from indoor sources such as building materials and furniture, attached garages, heating and cooking systems, stored solvents and various human activities. Indoor concentrations are also affected by climatic conditions and the rate of air exchange due to forced or natural ventilation.

Legislation and intervals

According to the World Health Organization there is no safe exposure value that can be recommended, so it is advisable to reduce indoor exposure levels as much as possible. According to DIRECTIVE 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe: The upper assessment threshold for Benzene is 70% of the limit value (3.5 µg/m3) on an annual average. Meanwhile, the lower assessment threshold is 40% of the limit value (2 µg/m3) for Benzene.