A new ‘pooled’ analysis of benzene effects on human health

For many years, the effects of benzene on human health have been a concern of health experts and air quality regulators. Because of these concerns, regulatory limits and technological developments have resulted in progressive reductions in benzene concentrations in transport fuels and in ambient air.

For example, the maximum amount of benzene in petrol was reduced to 1 wt% in 2000 while advanced vapour recovery systems at service stations were introduced to reduce exposure by employees and consumers to benzene emissions and other evaporative emissions.

Workplace limits on benzene and other priority pollutants in ambient air have also been reduced over the same time period resulting in significantly lower exposure to workers and the general public.