What to Do If You Are Exposed to Benzene

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommends taking certain steps if you are exposed to benzene.

Breathing Benzene

If benzene is released into the air, get fresh air by either moving away from the exposed area if you are already outside, or getting out of the building if benzene is released indoors.

Benzene on Clothing

If benzene gets on your clothes, remove any clothing that has been contaminated. Do not pull contaminated clothing over your head, but cut off clothing instead.

If you are helping others remove their clothing, avoid touching the contaminated areas and remove clothing as quickly as possible.

Dispose contaminated clothing in a plastic bag without touching the contaminated areas. Wear rubber gloves if you cannot touch the clothing without exposing yourself to the contaminated areas or you do not know where the contaminated areas are. Use tongs, tool handles, sticks, or similar objects, if necessary to dispose of contaminated clothing.

Anything that touches the contaminated clothing should also be placed in the plastic bag. Seal the bag, and then seal the same bag inside another plastic bag. When local or state health department or emergency personnel arrive, they should be told what you did with the clothing.

Benzene on Skin or in Eyes

If benzene makes contact with your skin, wash your skin with large amounts of soap and water. If benzene gets in your eyes, then rinse your eyes with plain water for 10-15 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if any, after washing hands and put them with your contaminated clothing. Do not put your contact lenses back on. Contaminated eyeglasses can be washed with soap and water and then be re-worn.

Ingesting Benzene

If someone has swallowed benzene, seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting or attempt CPR (which also causes vomiting), since vomit could be sucked into his or her lungs, thereby causing damage to the lungs.