Benzene causes cancers. Benzene was detected in some deodorants and antiperspirants.
Recently, high levels of benzene were detected in several brands and batches of antiperspirant and deodorant body spray products. This is alarming because benzene is a known human carcinogen. A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer or helps cancer grow. The purpose of this video is to raise the awareness of the potential exposure to the harmful benzene in our daily life.
Benzene is a colorless or light-yellow chemical that is liquid at room temperature. It is volatile and highly flammable. It has a sweet odor. Benzene is typically used as a solvent. Benzene is among the 20 most widely used chemicals in the United States. It is mainly used to make other chemicals such as plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, pesticides etc. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke.
The most common route of benzene exposure is by breathing in air containing benzene. Benzene can also be absorbed through skin contact with gasoline and other benzene containing products. Occasionally, people are exposed to benzene in by drinking contaminated water or eating some contaminated foods.
Studies have demonstrated that benzene is linked with acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
In addition to causing cancer, Inhaling or ingesting large amount of benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, tremors, confusion etc. Very high levels of benzene exposure can be lethal.
Exposure to benzene liquid or vapor can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and throat.
Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to
Anemia or low red blood cell count
low white blood cell count, which can compromise your ability to fight infections
low platelet count, which can cause bruises or bleeding.
irregular menstrual periods and reduction of the size of ovaries in some women.
Recently, high levels of benzene were detected in some antiperspirant and deodorant body spray products. A company called Valisure analyzed 108 unique batches from 30 brands of body spray products. 59 product batches had detectable levels of benzene. 24 of these contained benzene over 2.00 ppm. 2ppm is the conditionally restricted FDA limit on benzene as a residual solvent in drug products.
After the Valisure reported the detection of Benzene, the consumer product company, proctor and gamble voluntarily recalled 18 body spray products due to the detection of benzene. I listed the link to the recall below. I would like to point out that besides deodorants and antiperspirants, certain sun care products including sunscreens, anti fungal products and hand sanitizers have also been found to contain benzene lately.
We apply different chemicals to our skin and hair every day. We may be exposed to benzene unknowingly if some of the chemicals are contaminated with benzene. Cumulatively, the benzene exposure by skin absorption and inhalation may cause significant harms. If you have unexplained low blood cell count or irregular periods, could it be from the exposure to benzene?
If you think you may have been chronically exposed to benzene, you can have a blood, breath or urine test to detect recent benzene exposure.
The link to Valisure Citizen Petition on Benzene in Body Spray Products:
https://www.valisure.com/wp-content/u...
The link to P&G’s Voluntary Recall of Specific Old Spice and Secret Aerosol Spray Antiperspirants and Old Spice Below Deck Aerosol Spray Products Due to Detection of Benzene:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-ma...