Benzene is defined as a carcinogen by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) which lists “inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact” as exposure routes. Studies in humans and experimental animals have demonstrated that this compound may also cause hematotoxicity (changes in blood and bone marrow).īenzene is a “known human carcinogen by all routes of exposure”, according to the U.S. Benzene causes both structural and numerical chromosomal aberration in humans.Įxposure to benzene can cause acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and other blood disorders (preleukemia and aplastic anemia), as shown in human epidemiologic studies of highly exposed occupational cohorts. Liquids and vapours containing benzene have shown to irritate the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract. Inhalation of exposure can cause neurological symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness, headaches and unconsciousness in humans. People exposed to the chemical exhibit bone marrow depression (evidenced by anemia), leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia. Human exposure to benzene occurs primarily via inhalation in the workplace, from gasoline vapors, tobacco smoke and automotive emissions. Benzene was irritating to the mucous membranes of eyes, mouth, respiratory tract and skin in rodents. Although dermal absorption is minimal when compared with inhalation or oral absorption because it rapidly volatilizes in the skin, it still has toxic effects associated to dermal exposure. People may also be exposed to benzene by consuming contaminated water.īenzene is rapidly absorbed through skin from both liquid and vapour phases, as shown in human and experimental studies. Tobacco smoke also contains benzene and represents one of the most significant sources of exposure. Individuals that work in industries that manufacture or use benzene may be exposed to highest levels of this compound, being occupational exposure one of the main concerns of the toxicity of benzene. Trace levels of benzene may be found in cigarette smoke, gasoline, glues, adhesives, cleaning products, and paint strippers. Benzene is used as a starting material for synthetic fragrances. Moreover, benzene is used as a constituent in motor fuels, in the extraction of oils from seeds and nuts, in the manufacture of detergents, explosives and pharmaceuticals, for example. Smaller amounts are often used in chemical laboratories as solvent and reagent. It is used as a chemical intermediate to make several industrial chemicals. Despite this, the agency continued advising patients to use broad spectrum sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher in conjunction with other sun protective measures.īenzene is a chemical that can be found in nature and manufactured products. Some brands already started voluntarily recalling the products and advised consumers to stop using them. Food and Drug Administration started investigating the root cause of benzene found these sunscreen products.
In March 2021, a petition had already been issued (2021 Citizen Petition) on benzene contamination in hand sanitizer and there were several recalls of contaminated hand sanitizer products. Study authors are currently pushing for a recall of all the contaminated batches and asking the FDA to better define limits for Benzene contamination in drug and cosmetic products. Since benzene is one of the most studied and concerning human carcinogens known to science, with numerous studies showing its association with blood cancers in humans even at trace levels of parts per million and below, the presence of this carcinogen in products widely recommended for the prevention of skin cancer and that are regularly used by adults and children is very troubling. Benzene was detected in sprays, gels, and lotions (with both chemical and mineral-based formulations). Some batches contained up to three times the conditionally restricted FDA concentration limit (2 ppm). According to the study, 27% of the samples tested, representing a total of 78 sun care products, contained benzene. The company analysed 294 unique batches from 69 different companies, observing significant variability from batch to batch, even within a single company. has detected high levels of Benzene in several brands and batches of sunscreen (classified as drug products by the FDA) and after-sun products (generally regulated as cosmetics by the FDA). A testing and consumer protection organization located in the U.S.
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