You Might Love Petrol Smell, But Long-Term Exposure To Its Benzene Can Increase Cancer Risk | WeirdKaya

Some people love the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Others have a soft spot for the scent of petrol when they stop to refuel.

But one woman’s casual question about enjoying the smell sparked a discussion about why you shouldn’t deliberately breathe in petrol fumes.

‘It smells so good’

Taking to Threads, user @cik_com asked whether anyone else shared her fondness for the smell of petrol.

The post received more than 500 likes, but among the replies were reminders that a pleasant smell doesn’t necessarily mean something is safe to inhale.

‘Pak cik Shell’ weighs in

One response that caught attention came from @pakcikshell, who cautioned against prolonged exposure to petrol fumes.

He pointed to benzene, a chemical found in petrol, and warned about its harmful effects. He also cited the use of respirators among oil terminal workers when discussing workplace exposure.

Other users echoed his concerns, highlighting that benzene is carcinogenic, meaning it can cause cancer.

Meanwhile, another reminded the woman that although some people enjoy the smell, they should avoid deliberately inhaling the fumes.

“Just because it smells good doesn’t mean it’s safe for your health!” the user wrote.

OP says she doesn’t do it often

Another commenter, warned about the chemicals in petrol and compared deliberately sniffing it to glue sniffing.

In response, the original poster indicated that it wasn’t something she did regularly.

“Luckily, not often,” she replied.

What are the actual health risks?

The warnings have a factual basis, though the amount inhaled and the duration of exposure matter.

According to the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, breathing in high levels of petrol vapour can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. Longer exposure and higher concentrations can lead to more serious effects.

Petrol also contains benzene. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause leukaemia, a cancer affecting the blood.

This does not mean that briefly catching the smell while refuelling will automatically cause cancer: the risk depends on the level and length of exposure.

So, while you might find the smell appealing, don’t make a habit of deliberately breathing it in. That extra sniff simply isn’t worth it.

READ ALSO:

...