Benzene is a hydrocarbon that appears as a volatile liquid, capable of evaporating rapidly at room temperature; it is colourless and easily flammable and is the progenitor of a family of organic compounds defined as aromatic, due to the characteristic odour. Benzene is a natural component of oil (1-5% by volume) and its refining derivatives.
The carcinogenic capacity of benzene has been scientifically demonstrated and has been classified by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) in class 1 as a certain carcinogen for humans. In fact, its ability to cause acute and chronic leukaemia has been ascertained, at concentrations present in the past in work environments, with a risk proportional to the cumulative dose. The carcinogenic effect appears to be linked, as with other substances, to the action of intermediate metabolites that form in the body.

BTEX analysis gives a great indication of VOC emissions from an extended range of sources.
The PyxisGC BTEX instrument, according to EN14662:2015, monitors in real time the volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene.

Read the Application Note to find out more!