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This volume presents an evaluation of the carcinogenicity of benzene, updating with new data the most recent evaluation provided in Volume 100F of the IARC Monographs. Benzene, a simple aromatic hydrocarbon, occurs naturally and as a result of human activity, notably as a result of combustion, and it is a high-volume chemical now used mostly as a chemical intermediate. Human exposure to benzene is widespread through the air, in consumer products, and in industry.
An IARC Monographs Working Group reviewed epidemiological studies, animal cancer bioassays, and mechanistic data to assess the carcinogenicity of benzene and conducted quantitative analyses of data on genotoxicity and human cancer risks.
Contents
This publication represents the views and expert opinions of an IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, which met in Lyon, 10–17 October 2017
Lyon, France - 2018
IARC MONOGRAPHS
In 1969, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) initiated a programme on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans involving the production of critically evaluated monographs on individual chemicals. The programme was subsequently expanded to include evaluations of carcinogenic risks associated with exposures to complex mixtures, lifestyle factors and biological and physical agents, as well as those in specific occupations. The objective of the programme is to elaborate and publish in the form of monographs critical reviews of data on carcinogenicity for agents to which humans are known to be exposed and on specific exposure situations; to evaluate these data in terms of human risk with the help of international working groups of experts in carcinogenesis and related fields; and to indicate where additional research efforts are needed. The lists of IARC evaluations are regularly updated and are available on the Internet at http://monographs.iarc.fr/.
This programme has been supported since 1982 by Cooperative Agreement U01 CA33193 with the United States National Cancer Institute, Department of Health and Human Services. Additional support has been provided since 1986 by the European Commission Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, initially by the Unit of Health, Safety and Hygiene at Work, and since 2014 by the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation “EaSI” (2014–2020) (for further information please consult: http://ec.europa.eu/social/easi). Support has also been provided since 1992 by the United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services. The contents of this volume are solely the responsibility of the Working Group and do not necessarily represent the official views of the United States National Cancer Institute, the United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, or the European Commission.
Co-funded by the European Union- Published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France
- ©International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2018
- On-line publication, December 2018; updated September 2019
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Corrigenda to IARC Monographs Volume 120. (PDF, 93K)
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The International Agency for Research on Cancer welcomes requests for permission to reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full. Requests for permission to reproduce or translate IARC publications – whether for sale or for non-commercial distribution – should be addressed to the IARC Communications Group at: rf.crai@snoitacilbup.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
The IARC Monographs Working Group alone is responsible for the views expressed in this publication.
IARC Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Benzene / IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans (2017: Lyon, France)
(IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans ; volume 120)
1. Carcinogens 2. Benzene – adverse effects 3. Occupational Exposure – adverse effects 4. Risk Factors
I. International Agency for Research on Cancer II. Series
ISBN 978-92-832-0187-8 (NLM Classification: W1)
ISSN 1017-1606
Cover image: ©Istockphoto/nielubieklonu
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- Critique of the IARC 100F Working Group Evaluation of Occupational Benzene Exposure: Suggestions for the October 2017 Benzene-Only Working Group Meeting.[New Solut. 2018]Critique of the IARC 100F Working Group Evaluation of Occupational Benzene Exposure: Suggestions for the October 2017 Benzene-Only Working Group Meeting.Kopstein M. New Solut. 2018 May; 28(1):10-23. Epub 2017 Sep 18.
- Review The IARC october 2009 evaluation of benzene carcinogenicity was incomplete and needs to be reconsidered.[Am J Ind Med. 2011]Review The IARC october 2009 evaluation of benzene carcinogenicity was incomplete and needs to be reconsidered.Infante PF. Am J Ind Med. 2011 Feb; 54(2):157-64. Epub 2010 Dec 13.
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