Benzene

Benzene is a hydrocarbon found in crude oil and fuels. Most of the benzene in Irish air comes from road traffic and oil burners but some is released by evaporation wherever fuel is handled. Benzene is also a constituent of tobacco smoke.

Benzene is a dangerous chemical which can cause cancer. Long term exposure to benzene in occupational settings can cause a reduction in red blood cells and can lead to leukaemia.

Benzene levels in Ireland are below limits set by international monitoring organizations, and have been so for some time. 

Benzene Concentrations
Courtesy EPA ©

The graph shows annual mean benzene concentrations measured in Dublin and Cork from 2007 to 2018 with additional measurements taken for toluene, ethyl benzene, o‐xylene, m‐xylene and p‐xylene  taken in Dublin and Kilkenny. Indeed, in 2008 and 2009 mean benzene concentrations in Cork were higher than those in Dublin, although levels in both cities in 2014 were relatively stable and continue to remain comfortably below the limit value.

 

previousPrevious - Lead
Next - Ozonenext
Back to Benzene