My 14 year old son died from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2019.  In researching possible causes for this horrid disease, two are at the forefront - X-rays and exposure to benzene.  Literature notes that no level of benzene - a CATEGORY 1 CARCINOGEN -  is safe.  Despite this, benzene is not required to be listed on a safety data sheet (SDS) or label, if the product contains less than 0.1%.  While 0.1% might not sound like a lot, it represents 1000 ppm, and volatilizes into the air quickly.  So, 999 ppm is allowed without notice or labeling? My son was exposed to art products in 2017 ('non-toxic' oil paints, odorless mineral spirits, and other art/craft products) containing benzene, and the products were not labeled as such nor did the SDS list benzene as an ingredient.  In fact, one of the products didn't even contain an "expected" California Prop 65 warning - why? Because in tiny letters, the product is not for sale or use in California!

OSHA regulates levels of benzene in the workplace. The maximum allowable amount of benzene in workroom air during an 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek is 1 ppm.  But what about the art student, at-home hobbyist, crafter, woodworker or DIY'er - in close quarters with these products and without the proper safety information to take precautions, or even for a parent to make a choice between products?  These materials were purchased at a well-known family arts and crafts store.

Did benzene kill my son?  I will never know.  Was he genetically susceptible?  Possibly.  But benzene is a KNOWN cause of leukemia.  LET'S REQUIRE BENZENE TO BE LISTED.   The SDS and label for a product containing benzene at less than 0.1%, SHOULD, pursuant to Hazard Communication Standard requirements, IDENTIFY BENZENE AS A HAZARDOUS INGREDIENT.