Current status of benzene teratology: a brief review

This article summarizes the results of experimental studies on teratogenesis associated with exposure to benzene by oral, parenteral or inhalation routes. Administration of benzene to pregnant experimental animals did not produce marked developmental effects in the fetus at concentrations which did not cause concomitant maternal toxicity. Thus, at maternally nontoxic levels, benzene does not constitute a teratogenic hazard.