How benzene gets into the environment

When most people think of being exposed to toxic chemicals, they think of industrial sources. In the case of benzene, there is some truth to this. Leakage from underground storage tanks or from hazardous waste sites containing benzene can result in benzene contamination of well water. People working in industries that make or use benzene may be exposed to the highest levels of it. However, a major source of benzene exposure is tobacco smoke.