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CarCareTruth

Ethylbenzene

  • Aromatic solvents
  • CAS 100-41-4
  • IUPAC: Ethylbenzene

Ethylbenzene (CAS 100-41-4) appears in 19 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026), 18 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. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). H304 aspiration hazard, H332 harmful if inhaled, H312 harmful in contact with skin. As a trace processing byproduct (not an active ingredient) in consumer products, exposure levels are typically far below occupational thresholds.

Ethylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that appears in some consumer products as a trace processing byproduct rather than an intentional ingredient. It is listed under California Proposition 65 as known to cause cancer and classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). When present as a trace contaminant in consumer products, the exposure levels are typically orders of magnitude below occupational limits, but the Prop 65 listing triggers mandatory labeling requirements.

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 processing byproduct in some formulations)

Common questions about Ethylbenzene

What is Ethylbenzene used for in car care?
Aromatic solvent (trace processing byproduct in some formulations)
Is Ethylbenzene a VOC?
Yes. Ethylbenzene is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Ethylbenzene on California's Proposition 65 list?
Yes. Ethylbenzene appears on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Ethylbenzene biodegradable?
Yes. Ethylbenzene has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

19 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.