28. 03. 2025
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The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has published a new assessment of the health risks associated with exposure to automotive gasoline in the prestigious Lancet Oncology journal (open in a new window) (IF 41,3). A working group of 20 scientists from 16 countries, including toxicologist Jan Topinka from the IEM CAS, concluded that gasoline is a proven human carcinogen (IARC classification: Group 1) – that is, there is sufficient evidence that it can cause cancer.
Gasoline was previously assessed as a possible carcinogen (1988), but new studies have shown a clear link to bladder cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia in adults. Increased risks have been observed, particularly in petrol station workers and those involved in petrol distribution. Other cancers, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and childhood leukaemia, are also strongly suspected, but the evidence is still limited.
A consideration of all the significant high-quality studies has shown that workers exposed to petrol fumes show increased DNA damage, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation – processes that can lead to the development of cancer.
At the same time, so-called oxygenates in gasoline, which are used to improve combustion, were also evaluated:
- MTBE and ETBE were classified as potentially carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) based on animal experiments and laboratory studies.
- TBA, DIPE and TAME remain unclassifiable in terms of carcinogenicity (Group 3) – i.e., there is not enough evidence to reach a conclusion.
Members of the panel of the report highlight that exposure to gasoline occurs not only in workers in the petrochemical industry but also within the general population – mainly through inhalation of fumes during refuelling or near petrol stations. Moreover, the composition of petrol changes over time and the risks can vary according to location and use.
The results of the detailed assessment will be formally published as Volume 138 of the IARC monographs and may have important implications for public health protection and future fuel regulation.