In this study, formaldehyde and benzene were selected as the arbitrary chemicals in accidental leakage to environment, and their physicochemical and biological characteristics and toxicity were studied. Also, the fate of these chemicals in soil and groundwater was studied based on the results of previous studies. They can be released into the atmosphere as gas or vapor phase, which then can be photochemically degraded. Since they have relatively high water solubility, they are likely to have high mobility in water and soil. Volatilization of these chemicals from soil is affected by the soil moisture content. Biodegradation of formaldehyde and benzene is one of the important pathways as well. Therefore, it is necessary to study the environmental impacts of leakage accidents of flammable chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. Further research on the fate of flammable chemicals in the environment is needed to take appropriate response actions to leakage accidents of flammable chemicals, and this will contribute to the development of practical guidelines to cope with leakage accidents.

Keywords: Flammable chemicals;Formaldehyde;Formalin;Benzene;Chemical spill;