Where It Comes From
Essential oils of sassafras (sassafras oil), camphor tree oils, and some spice plants; also produced as a chemical intermediate [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking sassafras-based teas or traditional remedies; using essential oils; breathing vapors or skin contact at work in flavor/fragrance or chemical manufacturing; contaminated herbal products [1][3][5].
Why It Matters
The liver is the main target; high or repeated doses caused liver injury and liver tumors in animals. Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) and reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen (NTP) [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling safrole or sassafras oil; people using homemade or imported herbal products with sassafras; individuals with liver disease [1][3][5].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Avoid sassafras oil and sassafras teas; check labels of herbal/essential oil products; use gloves, eye protection, and ventilation at work; follow workplace safety controls; store/dispose of oils safely; seek medical advice or poison control after significant exposure [3][5].
References
- [1]IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Some Naturally Occurring and Synthetic Food Components, Furocoumarins and Ultraviolet Radiation, Vol. 40: Safrole. International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1986.
- [2]National Toxicology Program. Report on Carcinogens, 15th Edition: Safrole. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021.
- [3]WHO/FAO JECFA. Safety evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants: Safrole (estragole, methyleugenol). WHO Food Additives Series 48, World Health Organization, 2002.
- [4]U.S. EPA IRIS. Safrole (CASRN 94-59-7) — Integrated Risk Information System, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- [5]CDC/NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Safrole. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.