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Benzene and Its Link to Cancer

Peer Review Status: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service
First Published: January 2005
Last Revised: January 2005

Benzene is a liquid with a sweet odor. It is colorless and flammable. Benzene ranks among the top 20 chemicals produced in the United States. Benzene is found in gasoline and solvents. Smaller amounts of benzene are used to make some types of rubber, dyes, detergents, drugs, explosives and pesticides. It also is found in cigarette smoke. Volcanoes and forest fires produce benzene.

Benzene has been linked to cancer, particularly acute myeloid leukemia. Two studies on humans focused on occupational exposure to benzene by rubber workers and a very large group of factory workers in China. The workers were found to have increased risk for leukemia and multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow). These human studies were supported by animal studies as well. The three U.S. agencies that evaluate substances for harmful effects--the National Toxicology Program, The International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)--all classify benzene as a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance.

How can one avoid benzene exposure?

• If your job exposes you to benzene, explore ways to change the type of solvent used and always use personal protective equipment.
• If you are a smoker, quit. Smoking greatly increases the blood level of benzene.
• Avoid gasoline fumes by pumping gas carefully. Choose gas stations with vapor recovery systems that pull the fumes away. Be especially careful not to get gasoline on the skin. Wash skin immediately if there is a gas spill.

Since benzene is considered a human carcinogen, the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulate and monitor benzene levels in water and in work places.