Once in the bloodstream, benzene travels throughout the body and can be temporarily stored in the bone marrow and fat. The liver and bone marrow convert benzene into metabolites which may cause some of the harmful effects of benzene exposure. Most of the metabolites of benzene are excreted in the urine within 48 hours following exposure. Unmetabolized benzene is eliminated by exhalation. Benzene is a flammable liquid.
Poisonous gas is produced in fire.
Benzene vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. Benzene is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The amount of benzene and the length of time of the exposure determine whether harmful health effects will occur and the type and severity of these health effects. In most cases, people will stop feeling these effects when they stop being exposed and begin to breathe fresh air. Inhalation of benzene for long periods may cause harmful effects in the tissues that form blood cells, especially the bone marrow.