How benzene gets into the environment

Exposure to benzene can happen in a number of ways. Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial emissions. It breaks down more slowly in water and soil, and can pass through the soil into underground water. Benzene does not build up in plants or animals. It breaks down more slowly in water and soil, and can pass through the soil into underground water. Benzene does not build up in plants or animals. Air around hazardous waste sites or gas stations will contain higher levels of benzene.