Benzene

Benzene is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid chemical formed from both natural processes and human activities. Benzene is a component in gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel. Benzene is used to make plastics, resins and nylon. It is also used to make certain types of rubber, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires.

Benzene Is an Oregon Problem

Benzene is one of the primary air pollutants contributing to added individual cancer risk in Oregon. Oregon has some of the highest levels of benzene in the United States. Ambient levels and exposures are significantly higher in most areas of the state than levels considered safe by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). In the Portland area, residents are twice as likely to develop cancer from breathing benzene than the nationwide average for cancer risk from benzene.

Benzene levels are high in Oregon because our gas comes from Northwest refineries that rely on crude oil from Alaska that is naturally high in benzene.

However, thanks to the efforts of the Oregon Environmental Council and Oregon lawmakers, the national Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to place caps on the amount of benzene present in gasoline in the Pacific Northwest.

Portland City Council also unanimously passed a resolution urging reduced levels of benzene.

Protecting Yourself from Benzene

Oregon has some of the highest levels of benzene in the United States. Use the following tips to reduce your family's exposure to benzene.

• Don’t smoke
• Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
• Don’t idle your car unnecessarily
  
• Keep your car properly maintained
• Chose a low-emission vehicle such as a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle.
• Drive less
• Use a certified woodstove and burn only clean, dry wood or compressed logs in your woodstove or fireplace.
• Don’t burn your garbage!
• Select benzene-free glues, paints, furniture waxes and detergents.