What is benzena?

Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable, and toxic aromatic hydrocarbon. It is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a cyclical pattern, each carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Benzene is a primary raw material and building block for the petrochemical industry and is used in the production of a variety of chemicals, such as plastics, rubber, dyes, solvents, fuels, and synthetic fibers. It is also found naturally in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Prolonged exposure to benzene can cause serious health problems, including leukemia and other cancers, neurological damage, and reproductive disorders. Due to its toxicity, the use and storage of benzene are strictly regulated in many countries.