Where It Comes From
Gasoline and crude oil; emissions from refining, fuel storage/handling, vehicle exhaust, and some industrial uses [1][2]. Fuel vapors can build up in garages or sheds [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing outdoor air near traffic, refineries, or fuel terminals; indoor air from attached garages or stored fuels; workplace inhalation/skin contact in petrochemical, fuel distribution, or auto repair settings [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure may cause irritation, headache, dizziness; very high levels can depress the central nervous system [1][2]. Repeated high exposures caused liver/kidney effects in animals; major agencies have not classified its cancer risk due to limited data [2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling fuels/solvents; people near refineries, bulk fuel sites, or busy roads; infants, children, pregnant people, and those with asthma or lung disease [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Store gasoline/solvents tightly sealed and outside living spaces; ventilate garages; don’t idle vehicles indoors; fix fuel leaks; choose low-VOC products; follow workplace controls and use protective gear [1][2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Gasoline. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp72.pdf
- [2]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp123.pdf
- [3]U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard: n-Propylbenzene (CASRN 103-65-1). https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/dsstoxdb/results?search=103-65-1
- [4]U.S. EPA. Regional Screening Levels (RSLs) – Generic Tables. https://www.epa.gov/risk/regional-screening-levels-rsls-generic-tables