I was using paint thinner that says on the back of the can that it contains benzene. I used it on a golf club for the purposes of regripping (de-tacking the adhesive tape temporarily to enable slipping on the grip), which, to my knowledge, is a fairly common practice. Does any residue that I might have failed to clean (in which benzene is present) eventually evaporate so as to cease being harmful? If so, how long does it take?
If you’re talking about the chrome shaft it should be an issue as there is nothing to trap VOCs and retain them. There may be some amount of residue left so just wash it with soap and water if you are that concerned.
And for a less toxic re-grip method, try a little dish soap in water. It not only helps temporarily overcome the tackiness of the tape, but once the water evaporates the soap leaves a tacky film of it’s own. I learned this trick from a club maker and have used it for years.
Benzene evaporates, but that’s part of the problem. The vapors are not good to breathe. If I remember right, it can also be absorbed through the skin.