system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How does lighter fluid cause cancer and reproductive harm?

I got zippo lighter fuel today. It says on the back it can cause cancer and reproductive harm. I was wondering why, and how it happens? Do you have to touch, inhale, or drink it to do that? How does it work and is it safe to use? Thank you!
gpt
Lighter fluid is a hydrocarbon. Most of those are toxic in a variety of ways. When something gives you cancer or is a teratogen it damages DNA, either in your own cells or in the foetus. This causes birth defects or cancer. Lighter fluid is fairly safe if you are not spilling it on yourself or working in a chem plant making it. Don't huff it either. It is likely not good to inhale.