Why am I being warned about potential exposure to benzene?
- Benzene is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
- Exposure to benzene can cause leukemia.
- Exposure to benzene during pregnancy may affect the development of the child. It may also harm the male reproductive system.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposure to listed chemicals.
What is benzene?
- Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid with a sweet smell. It evaporates into the air quickly.
- Benzene, while not in the final product, is used in the manufacture of drugs, dyes, insecticides, plastics, resins, rubber, detergents, and other chemicals.
- Benzene is present in natural gas and petroleum products such as crude oil and gasoline.
- Gasoline, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions are major sources of benzene in the air.
- Tobacco smoke contains benzene.
How does exposure to benzene occur?
Image
- During pregnancy, benzene can pass from mother to baby.
How can I reduce my exposure to benzene?
- Do not smoke. Do not allow children to breathe tobacco smoke.
- Limit your and children’s contact with gasoline and its fumes.
- Pump gasoline carefully to avoid exposure to liquid and fumes. If possible, stand a few steps away from the gasoline-pump nozzle while filling your tank.
- Limit the time you spend near idling car engines.
- Do not idle car engines in attached garages.
- Ventilate homes and attached garages well to get fresh air.
- Assure adequate ventilation inside your vehicle. Set the ventilation system to allow outside air to enter the vehicle, when possible.
- If you use well water, have it tested for benzene contamination. (If your water comes from a public supplier, it is already tested regularly for benzene.)
- If you think you may have a natural gas leak in your home, such as a low-level leak associated with a natural gas-powered appliance, have it inspected and fixed. If there is a strong gas odor, leave the building immediately.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- American Cancer Society
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) - US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Scientific Information on Benzene
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)- IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, vol. 100 F (2012). “Benzene” in Chemical Agents and Related Occupations, pages 249-294.
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
Related Chemical(s)
Related Product or Place
References
Chemical
