C₆H₆ & H₂O – Benzene

Precision Monitoring for Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, aromatic hydrocarbon included in the BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and xylene) grouping of highly hazardous toxic pollutants. It is a known carcinogen requiring accurate and precise atmospheric measurements due to its toxicity. Both inhalation of air and exposure to contaminated water or soil have been shown to cause a range of adverse health effects such as leukaemia, lymphoma and bone marrow damage. It is commonly used as a precursor in the manufacture of plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, and drugs. In urban areas, common sources of benzene include traffic emissions and fuel stations. Through secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, benzene can also add to urban air pollution.