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Because it's a highly functional solvent, and least cost production methods are fraught with substitution.
Because it's a by-product of chemical reactions with other aromatics, combustion, pyrolysis.
Because it's a contaminant from cleaning, reuse of retorts and factory equipment, present in degreasers and machinery cleaners assumed to be replaced, but supply chains are leading to the first problem (substitution) by cleaning suppliers
"Epidemiologic studies and case studies provide clear evidence of a causal association between exposure to benzene and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and also suggest evidence for chronic nonlymphocytic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia." [1]
"There is probably no safe level of exposure to benzene, and all exposures constitute some risk in a linear, if not supralinear, and additive fashion."[2]
"on marine vessels benzene air concentrations typically range from 0.2–2.0 ppm during closed loading and 2–10 ppm during open-loading operations" [2]
"The seven recalls announced previously this year were:
04/28/2021: Ulta Beauty Collection & SS Scented Hand Sanitizer
Specific lots of Scentsational Soaps & Candles scented Hand Sanitizers from the Black and White Collection and Photo Real Collection (3.38-ounce), and Ulta Beauty Collection scented Hand Sanitizer Spray (3.4-ounce) were recalled due to the presence of methanol (wood alcohol), benzene and acetaldehyde.
05/13/2021: Goose Creek, COCO TKO Hand Sanitizer
Scentsational Soaps & Candles extended the previous recall to include specific lots of Goose Creek Hand Sanitizer with Aloe (3.38-ounce) and COCO TKO Hand Sanitizer (3.4-ounce) due to the presence of methanol (wood alcohol), benzene and acetaldehyde.
07/14/2021: Neutrogena, Aveeno Sunscreen
Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen and Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen due to the presence of benzene in some samples.
09/30/2021: Coppertone Aerosol Sunscreen Products
Coppertone, owned by Beiersdorf, voluntarily recalled specific lots of Coppertone P&S Baby SPF50 Spray (5-ounce), Coppertone P&S Kids SPF50 Spray (5-ounce), Coppertone Sport Min SPF50 Spray (5-ounce), Coppertone P&S SPF50 Spray (5-ounce) and Coppertone Sport Spray SPF50 (1.6-ounce) due to the presence of benzene.
10/01/2021: Lotrimin AF and Tinactin Over the Counter Antifungal Spray Products
Bayer voluntarily recalled all unexpired Lotrimin AF and Tinactin antifungal spray products due to the presence of benzene in some samples. In the recall announcement, the company said, “Benzene is not an ingredient in any of Bayer Consumer Health products.” The affected products had lot numbers beginning with TN, CV or NAA.
11/17/2021: Oder Eaters spray products
Odor-Eaters, owned by Blistex Inc., voluntarily recalled 41 lots of Odor-Eaters Spray Powder and Odor-Eaters Stink Stoppers Spray due to the presence of benzene.
11/23/2021: Old Spice, Secret Aerosol Sprays
The Procter & Gamble Co. voluntarily recalled specific Old Spice and Secret aerosol spray antiperspirants and Old Spice Below Deck aerosol spray products due to the presence of benzene.From: https://uspirg.org/news/usp/statement-procter-gamble%E2%80%9...
Consumer reports also considers it a mistery (see last paragraph): https://www.consumerreports.org/sunscreens/fda-safety-risks-...
Because we can measure more accurately?