If released to soil, caffeine will display very high mobility. It will not volatilize from either moist or dry soil to the atmosphere. Limited data indicate that caffeine has the potential to biodegrade in soil. If release to water, caffeine will not volatilize from water to the atmosphere. It will not bioconcentrate in fish nor will it adsorb to sediment.
Limited data indicate that caffeine has the potential to biodegrade in water.
Occupational exposure to caffeine may occur by inhalation of dust or dermal contact during its production, formulation or use. The general population will be exposed to caffeine by the ingestion of foods, medicines or consumer products in which it is contained. The estimated vapor pressure of caffeine, absorbed to particulates in the atmosphere , which may attenuate the rate of hydroxyl radical oxidation. Caffeine was detected in 8 of 204 water samples obtained from waterway sites collected throughout the United States, 1975-6, at concns ranging from 1 ppb to 6 ppb . It was detected, but not quantified, in water samples from the lower Fox River, WI, 1976-77 .