Companies also use smaller amounts of aniline to make drugs, photographic chemicals, varnishes, and explosives. Exposure to aniline can occur in the workplace or in the environment following releases to air, water, land, or groundwater. It enters the body when people breathe air or consume food or water contaminated with aniline. It can also be absorbed through skin contact. It does not remain in the body due to its breakdown and removal.
Aniline can evaporate when exposed to air.
It dissolves when mixed with water. Most releases of aniline to the U.S. environment are to underground injection sites and to air. In air, aniline breaks down to other chemicals. Sunlight also breaks down aniline in surface water and in soil. Microorganisms that live in water and in soil can also break down aniline.