Animal studies show that benzene absorbed through ingestion behaves similarly in the body to benzene that enters through the lungs. A small amount of benzene will enter the body by absorption through the skin and into the bloodstream during skin contact with benzene or benzene-containing products. 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.