Drinking Water Problems: Benzene

enzene is a clear, colorless, aromatic, highly flammable liquid with a distinctive, sweet smell. Benzene occurs naturally and evaporates easily. Small amounts are released by volcano eruptions, forest fires, and underground oil and gas reservoirs; however, larger amounts are released by human activities. Benzene is a component of crude oil and petroleumbased chemicals that can be released into the environment through motor vehicle exhaust, leaking underground storage tanks and gasoline spills. Benzene is also present in petroleum products used to manufacture such common products as plastics, nylon, Styrofoam, rubber, dry cleaning solvents, dyes, lubricants, printing fluids and pesticides. Benzene may escape into the environment through industrial discharges, improper waste management and faulty product handling and storage. Tobacco smoke also releases benzene into the air.