Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Benzene
Group 1 — carcinogenic to humansAir & EnvironmentchemicalEvidence: sufficient_in_humans
Summary
A chemical in gasoline, vehicle exhaust, and tobacco smoke. Associated with leukemia.
Detail
Benzene is Group 1 with sufficient evidence for acute myeloid leukemia and other haematopoietic cancers. Common exposures include occupational use in petrochemicals, gasoline vapors, and tobacco smoke.
Regional relevance
global
global
Documented in these products
SunscreenShampooNail polish removerOil-based paintTobacco smokeNail polishFace cream / moisturiserDeodorant / antiperspirantPaint thinner / solventWood stain / varnishAdhesive / glueDrain cleanerAuto mechanic workNail technicianWildfire smokeCigarettes
Presence in a product category doesn't imply the product causes cancer. Click each to see the source and context.
Sources
Primary sources
Consumer references
Third-party tools some readers use alongside primary evidence. Meyron doesn't endorse them; we link them because you'll otherwise hit them anyway.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.