Safety Regulations

Because of the known health risks associated with benzene exposure, federal government agencies have set standards for acceptable levels of benzene in drinking water and in the workplace. These agencies also require the reporting of any industrial spills or leaks involving benzene.

OSHA requires employers to maintain a safe workplace. With regard to toxic exposure this translates to requirements such as providing personal protective equipment and clothing and properly identifying chemicals like benzene so that employees know to pay attention and be safe.

Industrial spills – EPA requires industries to report benzene leaks or spills of 10 pounds or more.

Workplace air – OSHA regulates the amount of permissible benzene in the air at the workplace for both 8-hour days and the 40-hour workweek. OSHA also sets standards for short-term exposure to airborne benzene. Employers that use benzene in the workplace must monitor levels of benzene exposure by periodically testing employees’ blood or breath. Both tests are accurate only if administered shortly after possible exposure.

The Material Safety Data Sheet for Benzene (MSDS Benzene) lists synonyms as Benzol and Benzine for this toxic chemical formulated C6-H6. MSDS sheets for highly concentrated benzene products list Potential Acute Health Effects as being very hazardous in case of eye contact, of inhalation and hazardous in case of skin contact and ingestion. Benzene is an A1 carcinogen with possible mutagenic qualities. Benzene is a reproductive system toxin for females. Benzene’s routes of entry into the body are that it can be absorbed through the skin, dermal contact, eye contact and inhalation. Once absorbed through the skin, benzene can affect the liver, blood, metabolism and urinary system.