As a subject matter expert in the field of chemistry and toxicology, I have spent considerable time researching the properties and effects of various substances, including petroleum and its derivatives. It is a common concern among the public whether petroleum, a product derived from crude oil, could have carcinogenic properties. The term "carcinogen" refers to any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly or indirectly producing cancer.

Petroleum itself is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds. It is not inherently a carcinogen. However, during the refining process, certain impurities and compounds can be present that may have carcinogenic properties. The refining process is designed to remove these harmful substances to make petroleum products safe for various applications.

One of the most well-known petroleum products is petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline. It has been used for many years for its skin moisturizing properties. The initial concerns about petroleum jelly and cancer stem from the fact that before it is refined, petroleum jelly does contain trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. However, the levels of these compounds in the final product are extremely low and well below the threshold that would pose a risk to human health.

The American Cancer Society has stated that there is no conclusive evidence that using petroleum jelly causes cancer. The key here is the refinement and purification process that the petroleum undergoes before it becomes a consumer product. This process ensures that the levels of any potentially harmful substances are significantly reduced.

Moreover, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classifies certain components found in petroleum, such as benzene, as Group 1 carcinogens. However, these components are not typically present in the petroleum jelly that consumers use. The IARC also notes that the classification is based on the potential for these substances to cause cancer in humans, but the actual risk depends on the level and duration of exposure.

It is also important to consider the difference between theoretical risk and practical exposure. While some components of petroleum may be classified as carcinogens in a laboratory setting, the actual exposure levels in consumer products are typically much lower and do not equate to a significant health risk.

In conclusion, while petroleum in its unrefined state may contain some compounds with carcinogenic properties, the petroleum products that are available to consumers, such as petroleum jelly, have undergone a rigorous refining process to remove these impurities. The evidence does not support the claim that using petroleum jelly causes cancer, and reputable health organizations have stated that the risk is negligible.

read more >>

The big C. Yes, some folks worry that using petroleum jelly may cause cancer. ... A chemist, who later opened the first Vaseline factory, worked on refining the substance to be a topical solution. But before it's refined, petroleum jelly does include carcinogenic compounds -- a.k.a.Jan 22, 2015read more >>