Registration Dossier

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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Toxicological information

Endpoint summary

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Administrative data

Description of key information

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no adverse effect observed (not sensitising)
Additional information:

Non-human information

Although there are no GLP guideline compliant studies the skin sensitisation potential of benzene was assessed in a mouse ear swelling test (MEST) and a reduced guinea pig maximisation test (GPMT) using neat benzene. None of the mice and none of the guinea pigs showed any evidence of sensitisation (Gad et al, 1986).

Human information

In a study using 25 male volunteers a maximisation test with induction using 50% benzene and challenge with 20% benzene no evidence of skin sensitisation was seen (0/25) (Kligman, 1966).


Short description of key information:
Based on limited animal and human experimental data, and no reports in humans of skin sensitisation, benzene is considered not to be a skin sensitiser. As benzene is a mutagen and a carcinogen, human exposure is minimised by the implementation of appropriate risk management measures. Benzene is produced and used under strictly controlled conditions.

Justification for selection of skin sensitisation endpoint:
Benzene was not a dermal sensitiser when assessed in a mouse ear swelling test (MEST) and a guinea pig maximisation test (GPMT). No evidence of skin sensitisation was found in a human maximisation test.

Respiratory sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Additional information:

Non-human information

There is no evidence from animal experimental studies that benzene is a respiratory sensitiser

Human Information

There are no reports of human respiratory sensitisation to benzene despite more than 100 years of human experience with benzene which was commonly used as a solvent. As benzene is a mutagen and a carcinogen, human exposure is minimised by the implementation of appropriate risk management measures. Benzene is produced and used under strictly controlled conditions.

Short description of Key information

There is no evidence from animal experimental inhalation studies, or from human experience, to indicate that benzene is a respiratory sensitiser. 

Justification for classification or non-classification

It is concluded that benzene is not a skin or respiratory sensitiser and does not warrant labelling under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament.