Ethylbenzene (EB) is a chemical that causes serious health problems and is creeping into our daily lives at a concerning rate. Ethylbenzene is a colorless, organic liquid with uses that are far more widespread than the general population realizes.

 

EB exists as a natural compound in petroleum and coal tar. It is one of the main toxins found in tobacco, with exposure to primary smokers as well as in second-hand smoke. EB is also synthesized for uses in gasoline - to improve gasoline performance and efficiency.

 

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies EB as a carcinogen. Toxicity of this agent includes not only cancer, but also injury to the kidney, liver, eyes, nervous, and respiratory systems. Due to inadequate human data, toxicity from EB has been extrapolated from animal research, with high doses of EB being associated with various carcinomas in the lungs and livers of mice. Because most data of deleterious health effects from Ethylbenzene comes from rodents, effects on humans is hard to know, and thus requires further research. E

 

Explore our website to learn about: current material on Ethylbenzene from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in the News; an experts opinion from the field; and our policy recommendations to the EPA.