Benzene evaporates quickly from contaminated water. People can be exposed to benzene if they use contaminated water to bathe, shower, wash dishes or do laundry. Benzene vapors are present in exhaust from many industries and automobiles. People who live near highways or industries can be exposed to benzene. Benzene exposure through skin contact with gasoline or other solvents is possible.
People can also absorb benzene as they bathe or shower in contaminated water.
We suggest you stop drinking water that contains more than 5 ppb of benzene. If the level of benzene in your water is higher than 100 ppb, you may also need to avoid washing, bathing or using the water for other purposes. Contact your local public health agency for more information specific to your situation. No standards exist for the amount of benzene allowed in the air of homes. Drowsiness, headaches, and dizziness have been reported when people breathed air with benzene levels of more than 10 ppm for a short time.