News Excerpt:
According to the independent US laboratory Valisure, high levels of cancer-causing chemical benzene were detected in some acne treatments from brands including Estee Lauder's Clinique, Target's Up & Up and Reckitt Benckiser-owned Clearasil.
More about the news:
- Valisure stated that benzene could form at "unacceptably high levels" in both prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products.
- Valisure has also filed a petition with the US Food and Drug Administration to recall the products, conduct an investigation and revise industry guidance for the unsafe products.
|
What are Carcinogens:
|
How cosmetic products contain carcinogenic substances:
- The carcinogen has already been found in several consumer products, including sunscreens, hand sanitizers and dry shampoo, leading to product recalls, including Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.
- According to Valisure, the detection of benzene in the acne treatment products was "substantially different" from the other cases.
- The benzene found in sunscreens and other consumer products were impurities that came from contaminated ingredients.
- The benzene in benzoyl peroxide products comes from the benzoyl peroxide itself.
- Valisure's tests showed some products could form more than 800 times the conditionally restricted FDA concentration limit for benzene.
About Benzene:
- Benzene is a clear, colourless liquid with a sweet, aromatic odour.
- It is less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water.
- It is used mainly as a starting material in the manufacture of other chemicals, including detergents, pesticides, plastics and resins, synthetic rubber, aviation fuel, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and explosives.
- Immediate signs and symptoms of exposure to benzene:
- People who breathe in high levels of benzene may develop drowsiness, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, tremors, confusion, unconsciousness, and eventually death.
Conclusion:
The detection of high levels of benzene in acne treatment products from popular brands is alarming. Valisure's petition for a recall and FDA investigation highlights the urgent need for stricter safety regulations in cosmetic products to protect consumers from carcinogenic substances.
