--- title: Hydrocarbons | Exposure of Hydrocarbons Can Lead to Lung Cancer description: Hydrocarbons consist of a variety of organic materials that are made up primarily of hydrogen and carbon. Some of the most common hydrocarbons include substances such as motor oil, gasoline, mineral spirits, kerosene, paints, rubber cements, dry cleaning chemicals, solvents, and a variety of others. image: https://www.lung-cancer.com/hubfs/lung-cancer-open-graph-1.jpg --- [![sr-logo@2x](https://www.sprocketrocket.co/hs-fs/hubfs/sr-assets/images/sr-logo@2x.png?width=180&name=sr-logo@2x.png) ![Lung-Cancer-Logo](https://www.lung-cancer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lung-Cancer-Logo.png?width=300&name=Lung-Cancer-Logo.png)](https://www.lung-cancer.com/) [1-800-998-9729](tel:+18009989729) [![Get Compensation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9206347/19183636-5e74-4bd8-aa74-0ff135c8d838.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9206347/19183636-5e74-4bd8-aa74-0ff135c8d838) - Detection & Diagnosis - [Signs & Symptoms of Lung Cancer](https://www.lung-cancer.com/symptoms) - [Screening for Lung Cancer](https://www.lung-cancer.com/screening) - [Diagnosing Lung Cancer](https://www.lung-cancer.com/diagnosis) - [Types of Lung Cancer](https://www.lung-cancer.com/types) - [Stages of Lung Cancer](https://www.lung-cancer.com/stages) - Treatment Options - [Lung Cancer Treatment Options](https://www.lung-cancer.com/treatment) - [Surgery](https://www.lung-cancer.com/surgery) - [Radiation Therapy](https://www.lung-cancer.com/radiation-therapy) - [Chemotherapy](https://www.lung-cancer.com/chemotherapy) - [Immunotherapy](https://www.lung-cancer.com/immunotherapy) - [Targeted Therapy](https://www.lung-cancer.com/targeted-therapy) - [Laser Therapy](https://www.lung-cancer.com/laser-therapy) - Causes & Risk Factors - [Causes of Lung Cancer](https://www.lung-cancer.com/causes) - [Agent Orange](https://www.lung-cancer.com/agent-orange) - [Asbestos](https://www.lung-cancer.com/asbestos) - [Heavy Metals](https://www.lung-cancer.com/metals) - [Radon](https://www.lung-cancer.com/radon) - [Tobacco](https://www.lung-cancer.com/tobacco) - Resources - [Patient Resources](https://www.lung-cancer.com/patient-resources) - [Legal Assistance](https://www.lung-cancer.com/legal-assistance) - [Prognosis & Survival Rates](https://www.lung-cancer.com/prognosis) - [Lung Cancer Rates by State](https://www.lung-cancer.com/rates-by-state) - [Metastatic Lung Cancer FAQs](https://www.lung-cancer.com/metastatic-lung-cancer-faqs) - [![Get Compensation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9206347/19183636-5e74-4bd8-aa74-0ff135c8d838.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9206347/19183636-5e74-4bd8-aa74-0ff135c8d838) Menu # Hydrocarbons as a Cause of Lung Cancer Hydrocarbons consist of a variety of organic materials that are made up primarily of hydrogen and carbon. Some of the most common hydrocarbons include substances such as motor oil, gasoline, mineral spirits, kerosene, paints, rubber cements, dry cleaning chemicals, solvents, and a variety of others. Hydrocarbons may originate from wood or petroleum. Products that originate from petroleum include those such as gasoline or kerosene; other products that originate from wood include items such as turpentine. Hydrocarbon products vary in form at room temperature (*gas, liquid, or wax solids*). Pollution may result from hydrocarbons when either partially burned or unburned fuel is released into the air. The fuel by-product is dispersed into the environment and includes toxic fumes that may result in harmful health conditions such as cancer. The primary source of this pollution stems from various vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, boats, or other non-road vehicles. Other sources of hydrocarbons are produced when paints, solvents, dry cleaning chemicals, and other like substances are released into the atmosphere. A “high” hydrocarbon level in the air results in reduced amounts of available oxygen and interferes with its intake levels. ## Link Between Hydrocarbons and Lung Cancer When an individual is exposed to hydrocarbon toxicity, the lungs (*pulmonary system*) are the most affected parts of the body. The characteristics of the specific hydrocarbon type involved may determine the level of toxicity. Some of these include the amount or dose of the substance and the route of the ingestion. Aspiration of a specific class of hydrocarbons called, *aliphatic hydrocarbons*, commonly leads to pneumonitis (inflammation of the lung tissue). This condition is a direct result from the effects of the hydrocarbon substances that lead to a change in the density of the lungs, also called, *lung parenchyma*. In addition, other conditions such as loss of blood and swelling may result. Other rare pulmonary problems may also occur that include collapsing of the lungs, an air-filled cyst in the lung (*pneumatocele*), or air leakage. According to a published report called, *Annals of Oncology*, occupational exposure to a specific class of hydrocarbons called, *polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons* (PAHs), may increase lung cancer incidence. Reported data suggests that high levels of PAHs have been linked to industries that involve coal tar or in areas that include the production of items such as coal, steel, and iron. The report states that there is a moderate increase in lung cancer incidence in these hydrocarbon-related industries. The greatest risk was associated in areas that involved coal gasification. Coal, iron, steel, and roofing-related industries were shown to increase lung cancer risks by as much as 40 to 60 percent. **Read more about: »[Lung Cancer Screening](https://lung-cancer-9206347.hs-sites.com/screening) »[Lung Cancer Diagnosis](https://lung-cancer-9206347.hs-sites.com/diagnosis)** #### If you, or someone you know, has lung cancer and you would like to know if they qualify for additional compensation, please call [1-800-998-9729](tel:+18009989729) for a FREE consultation. ![Lung-Cancer-Logo](https://www.lung-cancer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lung-Cancer-Logo.png?width=300&name=Lung-Cancer-Logo.png) - [Treatment Options](https://www.lung-cancer.com/treatment) - [Detection & Diagnosis](https://www.lung-cancer.com/diagnosis) - [Risk Factors & Causes](https://www.lung-cancer.com/causes) - [Resources](https://www.lung-cancer.com/patient-resources) Lung Cancer Answers is a website devoted to life issues for lung cancer patients and their families and is sponsored by Brad Cooper\* of Cooper, Hart, Leggiero & Whitehead, PLLC. Cooper, Hart, Leggiero & Whitehead is located in The Woodlands, Texas (Greater Houston Area), handles cases nationwide with co-counsel in state of filing, and can be reached toll-free at 1-800-998-9729 for more information on lung cancer. Brad Cooper is not a medical doctor. The information on these pages is for the education of lung cancer patients and their families regarding potential medical and legal options. Patients are advised to consult with a medical doctor. \* Licensed by the Supreme Courts of Texas. ©2026 Cooper, Hart, Leggiero & Whitehead, PLLC. All rights reserved.