This blog is part of a series on chemical ingredients that are commonly used in consumer products.
Benzene is a widely used chemical in industrial applications and consumer products. It is one of a group of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into indoor air as gases that cause adverse health effects.
Benzene is a high-hazard chemical linked to cancer and other health issues. This ingredient is among the many harmful chemicals we prohibit in Green Seal-certified products to ensure products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet.
Here, we’ll delve into what benzene is, how and where it’s used, and how to reduce your exposure to this harmful chemical.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor, known chemically as C₆H₆. It is a natural component of crude oil and gasoline and serves as a building block for several chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of products like plastics, pesticides, and detergents.
Linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is a notable chemical derivative of benzene that primarily is used in the production of surfactants for detergents. Linear alkyl benzene is a safer chemical and is prevalent in consumer products.
Benzene in Consumer Products
Benzene is used as a solvent in the production of rubber, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. It is also part of the manufacturing process for plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester.
Benzene can be found as an ingredient in household products including some adhesives, cleaning agents, paints, and paint strippers.
Although it is not used as an ingredient in personal care and beauty products, benzene was the cause of recent high-profile recalls of popular sunscreens, deodorants, and dry shampoos. The products were contaminated with benzene, which was believed to be related to the butane-powered propellants in the products’ aerosol cans.
The Health Risks of Benzene
Despite its widespread use, benzene is associated with well-documented health risks. Benzene is a carcinogen as designated by governmental bodies including the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Long-term exposure to benzene is linked to an increased risk of leukemia and other blood disorders. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause dizziness, headaches, tremors, and unconsciousness.
Most benzene exposure occurs indoors, because this is where people spend most of their time. The primary indoor sources of benzene are car exhaust from attached garages, cigarette smoke, stored fuels, and paint supplies. VOCs from outside also enter the indoor air in commercial buildings through the outdoor air intakes in HVAC systems.
Regulatory agencies have established strict guidelines to limit benzene exposure in the workplace and the environment. However, benzene still contaminates ambient air, particularly in urban areas with high levels of vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
Minimizing Your Exposure
Being aware of the products you use and the places you spend time can help reduce your exposure to benzene:
- Avoid spending extended periods of time near gas stations or industrial facilities
- Eliminate cigarette smoke in your home
- Don’t use gas-powered equipment or leave cars idling in your attached garage
- Ventilate your home when painting
To be confident your paints and other household products don’t contain benzene, look for reputable ecolabels like Green Seal. We prohibit harmful chemicals and screen VOC levels to ensure certified products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet.