According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the carcinogenic compound benzene has both natural and man-made sources.
Natural sources include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is frequently used in an industrial setting, as part of the manufacturing process for plastics, resins, nylon, detergents and pesticides.
But there are other ways you could be exposed:
- Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions.
- Indoor air generally contains levels of benzene higher than ...