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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Cumene

  • Aromatic solvents
  • CAS 98-82-8
  • IUPAC: (1-Methylethyl)benzene

Cumene (CAS 98-82-8) appears in 6 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026), 6 of which carry a DANGER signal word on their published Safety Data Sheet. It is listed on California's Proposition 65 and classified as a VOC.

California Prop 65 listed as a carcinogen since April 6, 2010. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). Carries a 'can be absorbed through skin' designation under OSHA, NIOSH, and several state right-to-know lists. Appears in petroleum-distillate fractions (Stoddard solvent, hydrotreated distillates) as a trace constituent — typically under 1% by weight in consumer products.

Cumene (isopropylbenzene) is an aromatic hydrocarbon used industrially as a feedstock for phenol and acetone production, and appears as a trace constituent of petroleum-distillate fractions used as solvents in aerosol lubricants, paint thinners, and similar products. It is listed under California Proposition 65 as known to cause cancer (added 2010) and classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The OSHA, NIOSH, and California exposure limits all include a "skin" designation, meaning dermal absorption can contribute meaningfully to total exposure — gloves are warranted whenever the host formulation calls for extended skin contact.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
yes
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Aromatic solvent (trace component in petroleum-distillate fractions)

Common questions about Cumene

What is Cumene used for in car care?
Aromatic solvent (trace component in petroleum-distillate fractions)
Is Cumene a VOC?
Yes. Cumene is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Cumene on California's Proposition 65 list?
Yes. Cumene appears on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Cumene biodegradable?
Yes. Cumene has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

6 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.