What is Benzene?
Benzene is a clear, colourless liquid that is highly flammable. Approximately 700 kilotons of benzene are produced in Canada each year for use in making plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester. Benzene is also used as a solvent in printing, paints and dry cleaning. It is found in gasoline, and the main source of benzene in the environment is in the emissions that come from vehicle engines.

How does Benzene enter our water?
Benzene enters water from human activity, such as discharges from industry or spills during use, storage, or transportation. Benzene also enters the environment from the combustion of gasoline, from its use as a solvent and in the production of other chemicals. If benzene is released to soil, it will either evaporate very quickly or leach into groundwater. In groundwater, it may be degraded or could remain trapped. If benzene is released to surface water, most of it should evaporate within a few hours.

How does Benzene affect human health?
Benzene is a documented human carcinogen most notably causing leukaemia after high exposures. High exposures can also cause serious anaemia and interference with the immune system. More temporary symptoms of exposure can include dizziness, giddiness, nausea, vomiting , headache and drowsiness.

How does Benzene affect the aquatic environment?
Benzene is toxic to freshwater fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants.

What are the Benzene guidelines?
To protect people from exposure to benzene, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water has established a guideline of 0.005 milligrams of benzene per litre of drinking water.

• Drinking Water Guidelines :

The Canadian Water Quality Guideline for the Protection of Aquatic Life is set for benzene at 370 micrograms per litre of water.

• Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life

What can individuals do to help?
To help avoid benzene from reaching our water supply:

• Fill vehicle gas tanks during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) rather than midday. Do not overfill, as this could result in spillage. Most people and businesses fill their vehicles during peak hours, and fewer spills will reduce the amount of benzene evaporating at a given time.
• Report all gasoline spills to the attendant for proper attention.
• Be aware of product contents. Many chemicals commonly used around the home contain benzene, and are toxic to humans and the environment. Select less toxic alternatives or use non-toxic substitutes wherever possible.
• Properly dispose of paints or other substances containing benzene at hazardous waste collection centres. Do not pour them down the drain or in the sewer. Pouring chemicals in these areas may disrupt septic systems or contaminate water supplies.
• Properly seal all containers to prevent evaporation.