Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Auto mechanic work
Exposure to engine oil, solvents, lubricants, and diesel exhaust.
Also known as: auto mechanic, car repair
What this does NOT mean
Finding a factor documented in this product category does not establish that ordinary use of auto mechanic work causes cancer. It means research — through regulatory testing, recall records, or IARC review — has found that chemical present in this category. Whether it matters for you depends on formulation, dose, frequency, and route of exposure.
What has been documented
- BenzeneIARC Group 1IARC Group 1Exposure from · high confidence
Solvents, fuel, and engine oil all contain benzene.
Evidence source: IARC
- Diesel engine exhaustIARC Group 1IARC Group 1Exposure from · high confidence
Diesel exhaust from vehicles being serviced.
Evidence source: IARC
- Mineral oils, untreated or mildly treatedIARC Group 1IARC Group 1Exposure from · medium confidence
Older engine oils; modern formulations mostly refined enough to fall outside IARC Group 1.
Evidence source: IARC
How to read this page
A factor appearing on this page means it has been documented in this product category — through EPA / FDA testing, IARC monographs, or regulatory recall records. Whether it presents a meaningful personal risk depends on the specific formulation, dose, and how you're exposed. Click any factor to read what science actually says about it, and where.