Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Paint thinner / solvent
Hydrocarbon solvents for thinning oil-based paints and cleaning brushes.
Also known as: mineral spirits, turpentine
What this does NOT mean
Finding a factor documented in this product category does not establish that ordinary use of paint thinner / solvent 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 1Contamination · high confidence
Hydrocarbon solvents may contain trace benzene.
Evidence source: EPA CPDat
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.