Benzene exposure hazards - Measuring gas to reduce risks for benzene carcinogens and hazards — Benzene exposure hazards
Ask an expert

Benzene is carcinogenic

The process industry is well aware of this fact – benzene is a dangerous, group 1 carcinogen that can cause leukaemia and lymphoma. As it is an important basic material, however, benzene hazards in the industry cannot always be avoided. This is why occupational benzene exposure limits are set at a strict low level. Precise measurement with dedicated benzene detectors and regular benzene exposure testing are crucial to the safety of industrial workers. PPE must be worn when working in an environment with a risk of benzene exposure.

Benzene – an indispensable basic material in the chemical industry

Benzene is used as an initial product for other bonds, and which impact the production of consumer articles. Benzene is used for synthesising many bonds, for example, aniline, styrene, nylon, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, insecticides and dyes. As its use cannot be avoided in the chemical industry, companies must protect workers from potential occupational benzene hazards in their daily work.

All about benzene

Key facts and features for safe handling of benzene.

Download key facts

Benzene exposure in the workplace

Opening flaps and valves and connecting hoses is the most dangerous step in loading and decanting operations as hazardous carcinogenic substances can be released.

When workers need to check device displays in hazardous areas, they may be exposed to toxic or carcinogenic substances above the occupational exposure limits.

Sudden increases of carcinogenic toxic gases in confined spaces can put workers at risk.

Unintentional leakage of carcinogens is never excluded in storage rooms.

Benzene exposure - dangers impose strict exposure limits

As benzene is a hazardous carcinogen it is subject to very strict workplace exposure limits. These limits have been lowered continuously, which often has far-reaching consequences for industry and pose special challenges. Companies have to prove that they maintain theses low benzene exposure limits, and in the long term, document this compliance. An innovative risk-acceptance concept helps to manage these risks.

Benzene exposure - Risk acceptance concept

Safety concept to limit exposure to the benzene carcinogen

Germany is a pioneer in the implementation of this especially strict directive on carcinogenic substances and mutagens (2004/37/EC). The safety concept for potential benzene hazards in workplaces is derived from the “risk acceptance concept”, which is a traffic light model, showing a high (red), medium (yellow), and low risk (green).

Strict limit values for benzene

Lower exposure limits for carcinogenic substances – how to master a growing challenge.

Download white paper

Facts on benzene

Explore many international limit values and more important information on benzene in the Dräger VOICE.

View benzene in VOICE

Measurement of benzene

Detecting aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene is not easy, especially in low concentrations as part of compounds. As benzene is carcinogenic, occupational exposure must be strictly limited. The lower the workplace threshold for benzene exposure limits, the more challenging the measurement process. New technologies offer the possibility to select between different measurement solutions or combine different methods. This is to ensure a work environment does not exceed strict benzene exposure limits and thus protects staff against benzene hazards.

Benzene measurement

Find out which measurement methods are suitable for your application situations.

Download white paper

Technical innovations for monitoring benzene exposure

Exposure to carcinogenic benzene is a long-term hazard. Companies are obliged to document in detail the work performed, the number of their employees exposed plus any contractors, and the measurement results. Data records of all personal exposure levels to benzene throughout an employee’s professional life need to be administrated. New, innovative web-based technologies make data management easier than ever before. The selective PID gas measurement device Dräger X-pid® 9000/9500 is ideal for users who frequently test for hazardous toxic substances.

Dräger X-pid® 9000/9500

Benzene, butadiene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carcinogenic even in the smallest concentrations. This selective photo ionisation detector (PID) gas measurement device is ideal for users who frequently test for hazardous toxic substances. The concentration of benzene can be precisely detected in just 30 seconds. The device’s interface is intuitive to use. A chromatogram shows values being measured at lab quality in real time. Test results are displayed clearly and can be saved to view or export later for necessary documentation.

Product details

Benzene gas monitor solutions

Dräger offers innovative measurement solutions, including benzene gas detectors, to make your measuring tasks easier.

Well protected against benzene exposure

Every industrial worker exposed to the benzene carcinogen must be thoroughly protected with respiratory protection and protective clothing. If it is obvious that exposure to carcinogens in the workplace is unavoidable despite all precautionary measures, then personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used. Chemical-resistant protective clothing prevents vapours and particles from being absorbed through the skin. Respiratory protection equipment and ﬁlters protect the lungs from toxins.