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CAS 71-43-2
Also known as: benzene, benzol, cyclohexatriene
Benzene is a chemical that occurs naturally in crude oil and gasoline, and it's also used to make plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, and some cleaning products. You might encounter it in vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, or industrial emissions. California's Proposition 65 lists benzene because it can cause cancer and reproductive harm, including birth defects or other developmental issues. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies benzene as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), and it's also linked to damage to the immune system and bone marrow. Because of these risks, California requires businesses to warn consumers if they are exposed to benzene above certain levels. This summary draws on public regulatory data; the linked source is authoritative. Source: California OEHHA Proposition 65 List (https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list).
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