Benzene

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?

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
- Benzene and Cancer Risk
US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Benzene
US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
- Benzene
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Exposure to Benzene: A Major Health Concern

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)
- Benzene Reference Exposure Levels

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

References

Chemical