benzene exposure limits

Benzene is a chemical that can be harmful if inhaled or touched in large amounts. Regulatory agencies set exposure limits to protect health; typically, these are measured as the amount of benzene in the air over an 8-hour workday, often expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³). For example, OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1 ppm averaged over 8 hours. Staying below these limits helps minimize health risks like blood disorders or increased cancer risk. Employers must monitor air quality and use safety measures to keep benzene levels within recommended limits.