in what year was benzene first recognized as a suspected human carcinogen?

Answer 1

The first report of benzene causing leukemia was published in 1928. (Leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.)

I remember benzene getting yanked from UC Berkeley chemistry classes in 1980. All the lab books still called for it, but we were directed to use toluene instead (also a carcinogen, but not as potent).

"In 1978 the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of benzene in many household products."
from: http://www.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/housewaste/house/benzene.htm

"An April 1977 National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Administration study has indicated that workers exposed to benzene have a high number of leukemia cases reported. . . . within six months of today's listing the EPA must issue a proposed standard for benzene . . . ." -EPA Press Release, 5/31/77, It actually took until 1987

Answer 2

1980 (First Annual Report on Carcinogens)

Answer 3

Surf the web--