Benzene - Health-based recommended occupational exposure limit

Benzene is used primarily in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as a starting material and intermediate in the synthesis of numerous chemicals. Inhaling benzene can be hazardous to blood cells, and can lead to leukaemia. The adverse health effects can be prevented by maintaining the concentration of benzene in the air lower than 0.7 mg/m3, as an eight-hour weighted average concentration. This is concluded in an advisory report by the Health Council, which today is presented to the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment.