Benzene Exposure at Gas Stations: Global Trends, Risks, and the Role of Advanced Industrial Hygiene Testing

Benzene remains one of the most scrutinized occupational hazards in the fuel retail industry. Classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), benzene exposure is strongly associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematopoietic disorders. A recent systematic review published in ACS Chemical Health & Safety compiled global data from 73 studies covering 22 countries between 2000 and 2021, providing one of the most comprehensive pictures to date of benzene concentrations in gas station environments.

Key Findings from the Global Review

The review analyzed 3,944 personal and area benzene measurements for exposed workers and 1,396 measurements for unexposed groups.

• Highest exposures: Saudi Arabia (up to 11.07 ppm) and Egypt (3.44 ppm) far exceeded common occupational limits.
• Lowest exposures: Mexico (0.006 ppm) and Japan (0.015 ppm).
• Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs): Most countries adhered to OSHA’s PEL of 1 ppm or ACGIH’s TLV of 0.5 ppm, though some recent proposals aim to reduce limits as low as 0.02 ppm.
• Vapor Recovery Systems (VRS): Implementation of Stage I and II VRS was shown to reduce benzene levels by over 85–99% in certain regions.

Despite technological interventions, seasonal variations, fuel benzene content, and worker task assignments (e.g., refueling vs. cashiering) significantly influence exposure levels.

Why Accurate Benzene Monitoring Matters

Accurate, defensible measurement of airborne benzene is critical for:

• Regulatory compliance (OSHA, NIOSH REL, ACGIH TLV)
• Risk assessment and epidemiological studies
• Engineering control validation (e.g., VRS performance verification)
• Worker health protection programs

Given the increasingly stringent TLVs and the health implications of even low-level chronic exposure, selecting the right sampling method and laboratory partner is essential.

Eurofins Built Environment Testing: Comprehensive VOC Analysis

Eurofins Built Environment Testing offers one of the most extensive portfolios of industrial hygiene analytical services in North America, including benzene and other VOCs.

Capabilities include:

• Active Sampling: Using sorbent tubes (e.g., charcoal) with calibrated low-flow pumps for precise time-weighted average (TWA) data and short-term exposure (STEL) data.
• Passive Sampling: Diffusive badges for personal or area monitoring without the need for pumps—ideal for large-scale or remote campaigns.
• NIOSH & OSHA Methods: Full compliance with NIOSH Method 1501 for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) analysis.
• Detection Limits: Ultra-low detection capabilities to support compliance with new ultra-stringent TLVs (as low as 0.02 ppm).
• Custom Reporting: Data formatted for regulatory submission, with comparison against OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH standards.

With both field sampling support and accredited laboratory analysis, Eurofins enables EHS professionals, CIHs, and industrial clients to identify exposure risks early, document compliance, and implement effective controls.

Key Takeaway:
Benzene exposures at gas stations vary widely across regions, but technology like VRS and robust industrial hygiene monitoring can dramatically reduce worker risk. With upcoming TLV reductions, now is the time to review monitoring strategies and ensure your program meets the latest regulatory expectations.

Ready to assess your VOC exposure risks?
Contact Eurofins Built Environment Testing to discuss a customized benzene monitoring program using active or passive sampling for your facility.