Benzene
benzene
cntybenz
Benzene in Outdoor Air
Mean of modeled annual average benzene concentration for census tracts in a county, using 2017 NATA data
Modeled mean benzene concentration in micrograms per cubic meter
N/A
Data Source: USEPA National-scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA), 2017 and NJDEP Division of Air Quality
03/17/2022
People are exposed to benzene from tobacco smoking, automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial emissions. People living in cities or industrial areas are exposed to higher levels of benzene in air than those living in rural areas.
Breathing high levels of benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness. Long-term exposure causes harmful effects on the bone marrow, can lead to anemia, and can affect the immune system. Benzene is a known human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause leukemia.
All New Jersey counties exceed the health benchmark of 0.13 micrograms of benzene per cubic meter of air. The highest ambient air concentrations can be found in the northeast counties of Bergen, Essex, and Hudson.
The benzene content of gasoline is regulated, and the use of benzene in consumer products is being phased out. Benzene in drinking water is routinely monitored in all community water systems.
The USEPA's Mobile Source Air Toxics 2 rule sets new requirements related to benzene: more stringent hydrocarbon emissions from passenger vehicles; controls on portable fuel containers; and restrictions on benzene content in gasoline products.
To view select air quality data collected at outdoor monitors across the United States go to:
[http://www.epa.gov/airdata/]
New Jersey County Risk Ratio tables can be found at the following URL:
[http://www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/airtoxics/nataest.htm#rrtab]
The USEPA Integrated Risk Information System provides more detailed information about benzene and research studies on its health effects at the following URL:
[https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris2/chemicalLanding.cfm?substance_nmbr=276]
New Jersey Statewide Average 2005 NATA Modeled Air Concentrations and comparisons to health benchmarks can be found at:
[http://www.state.nj.us/dep/airtoxics/Benzene05.htm]
Pollution Prevention and Community Right to Know:
[http://web.doh.state.nj.us/rtkhsfs/factsheets.aspx]
NJDEP "What's in My Community?" mapping application:
[https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=76194937cbbe46b1ab9a9ec37c7d709b]
On the map you will find every facility with an air permit registered with the Division of Air Quality at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
CEHS_EPHT
ropiekun
A
03/17/2022
created by REO
"Why Important" section modified for shorter content.
map view added by REO
2/08/11 - 2002 NATA data added - map view still for 1999
03/10/11 - 1999 map removed, new for 2002 still to be added, BDG
03/15/12 - 1999 and 2002 data removed and 2005 NATA added; map removed and new map to be added soon
3/16/16 - updated with 2011 NATA data (REO)
11/15/16 - REO updated links and resources
8/23/17 BDG, replaced static map with interactive map
10/29/18 - REO updated with 2014 NATA data
5/9/2019 - REO added NJDEP What's In My Community Link
03/17/2022 - REO added 2017 NATA data
400
x
03/17/2022
Status changed by: ropiekun
03/22/2022
PopChar
Relevant Population Characteristics
Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde in Outdoor Air
median_air_conc
Acrolein
Acrolein in Outdoor Air
med_air_conc
Butadiene
1,3-Butadiene in Outdoor Air
cnty_buta
chloroform
Chloroform in Outdoor Air
chloroform_cnty
chromium
Chromium(VI) in Outdoor Air
ChromVICnty
DieselPM
Diesel Particulate Matter in Outdoor Air
DieselCnty
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde in Outdoor Air
FormCnty
Naphthalene
Naphthalene in Outdoor Air
Naphthalene.Cnty
Perc
Perchloroethylene in Outdoor Air
Perc.Cnty
cntybenz
Benzene Concentrations in Outdoor Air,
by New Jersey County,
2017 NATA
Mean Concentration (ug/m3)
SourcesBenz
Source Contribution Estimates,
Percent by Source, Statewide for New Jersey,
2017 NATA
Percent of Benzene by Source