EXPERT VOICES
Timely insight on cancer topics from the experts of the American Cancer Society
Is your car killing you with benzene?
July 19, 2011
By Ted Gansler, MD, MBA
An e-mail message that may have come into your inbox recently claims that dangerous levels of a cancer-causing chemical (benzene) are released from the plastic surfaces of automobile interiors. The e-mail recommends opening the vehicle's windows to remove the benzene before using the air conditioner.
Although benzene is linked to leukemia, very little research has looked at whether the interior surfaces of cars release dangerous amounts of benzene, and the information that is available does not support the e-mail's claims.
. . . . . .