Materials

Benzene Facts

August 1, 2014

Benzene is an elementary petrochemical that is a component in everyday products, such as plastic, synthesized rubber, adhesives, gasoline, furniture wax and detergents. However, studies have found that when exposed through the air, benzene may increase the risk of certain illnesses, including cancer. The United Nation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorizes benzene as a Group1 carcinogen.

Benzene concentration in the air in everyday environments

Table that shows the concentration of average benzene for each region
Area Average (ppm)
Industrial District 0.0046
Crossroad 0.0108
Green space 0.000095
Smoking 0.00086
Gas station 0.0026
Office 0.00025

※ Catholic University of Korea (March 29~April 13, 2012)

Samsung Electronics does not use benzene in its fabrication processes. However, some studies have found trace amounts of the chemical in our facilities. The trace amounts were detected at significantly lower levels than the industry exposure standard (1 ppm) as well as the amounts found in everyday products and the environment. Out of an abundance of caution, Samsung continues to closely monitor for evidence of benzene as part of our chemical management and monitoring system.

Results of Tests for Evidence of Benzene at Samsung’s Semiconductor Facilities in Korea

Tables offering Research Institution, Amount Found, and Description of test&fidngs for 2009 and 2012
Year Research Institution Amount Found (ppm)* Description of Test & Findings
2009
Seoul National University
R&D Center		 0.08~8.91 Testing found evidence from photoresist (PR-liquid) used
in fabrication.
※ Chemical controls prevent
PR-liquid from possibility of human exposure, so no workers come into contact with it
Korea Research Institute of
Chemical Technology		 none Test reexamined the same
photoresist sample tested by
2009 SNU study and
found no trace of the
chemical
Korea Testing Laboratory
Korea Testing and Research
Institute for Chemical Industry
Balazs NanoAnalysis
2012 Korea Occupational Safety and
Health Research Institute
(Ministry of Labor &
Employment) 		0.000017~0.00178 In study of three semiconductor
companies in Korea, trace
amounts lower than the industry
exposure standard were
found at a testing & assembly
facility

※ Industry Standard : 1ppm during 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek

(Korea Ministry of Employment & Labor, U.S. Occupational Health Administration)