Benzene
Toxins · Volatile organic compound
High priority
What this is
Valisure independent lab testing has repeatedly exposed benzene contamination in consumer products — dry shampoo (2022), sunscreens (2021), hand sanitizers (2021), acne products from benzoyl peroxide degradation (2024). Attached garages are a common residential source — seal the home/garage interface. Secondhand smoke is a major source for nonsmokers.
Mechanism
Aromatic hydrocarbon; IARC Group 1 carcinogen; sources: gasoline, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, attached-garage homes, some personal care product contaminants (2021-2024 benzoyl peroxide/sunscreen/dry shampoo recalls)
Dose & route
Avoid idling in cars/garages; no smoking; check Valisure recalls
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15026333/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28436063/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8060030/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.