Where It Comes From
Natural in essential oils of basil, tarragon, nutmeg, and allspice; used in flavors, fragrances, and some insect lures for fruit flies [1][3][4].
How You Are Exposed
Mainly by eating foods/herbs that contain it; also from using perfumes, essential oils, candles, and from workplace air in flavor/fragrance or pest-control settings [3][4].
Why It Matters
IARC classifies it as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), and NTP lists it as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, based largely on liver tumors in rodents [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling essential oils, flavors, fragrances, or lures; people who frequently use scented/essential-oil products; heavy consumers of certain herbs/spices; those with liver disease may be more vulnerable [2][3][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose fragrance-free products; limit use of essential oils high in methyleugenol (e.g., basil, tarragon) and avoid leave-on cosmetics with it; ventilate when using scented items; follow workplace ventilation/PPE guidance [3][4].
References
- [1]IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 101: Some Chemicals Present in Industrial and Consumer Products, Food and Drinking-water. Methyleugenol (2013).
- [2]U.S. NTP, Report on Carcinogens, 15th Edition. Methyleugenol (2021).
- [3]WHO/FAO JECFA, Safety evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants: Methyleugenol (Flavouring agent), WHO Food Additives Series.
- [4]U.S. EPA, Methyleugenol Hazard Summary (Technology Transfer Network Air Toxics).