Latest news with #benzene
WebMD
12-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
Should You Be Worried About Benzene in Your Skin Care Products?
In March 2024, Valisure, an independent pharmaceutical testing company, released a report revealing that several skin care products contained benzene at levels higher than the FDA's allowable limit. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and although no safe level of benzene exposure is considered acceptable, the FDA permits a concentration of up to 2 parts per million (ppm) in certain products. However, Valisure's testing showed benzene levels far exceeded this threshold in several products. How Does Benzene End Up in Skin Care Products? Benzene is often found in products due to the breakdown of benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments. Benzoyl peroxide is effective at treating acne, but it can degrade into benzene under certain conditions. Specifically, when products containing BPO are exposed to heat -- like the kind of warmth you might find in a bathroom -- more benzene can accumulate, increasing your risk of exposure. Valisure tested seven different products containing benzoyl peroxide, including some popular over-the-counter creams and cleansers. Benzene was detected in all of them, and after being kept at temperatures ranging from 98.6 F to 158 F. It found that the levels of benzene increased to several times the FDA's allowable concentration. Given that these products are widely used in the treatment of acne, this discovery is raising significant concerns. The question is: What does this mean for your health? Should You Stop Using These Products? Many of my patients have chosen to stop using benzoyl peroxide products altogether after hearing about these findings. However, there is some evidence suggesting that you might not need to be overly concerned -- at least not to the extent of stopping their use completely. One study examined the serum levels of benzene in people who used benzoyl peroxide-containing products and compared them with people who had no exposure. The study found no significant increase in the risk of lymphoma, leukemia, or harmful conditions, which are the primary health risks associated with benzene exposure. This suggests that, while benzene is present in these products, the actual risk may be minimal. What Does This Mean for You? While the presence of benzene in skin care products is concerning, it's important to put these findings into context. The FDA allows trace amounts of benzene in certain products, and the levels found in many of these acne treatments — although elevated under specific conditions — may not necessarily translate into a significant health risk for most people. However, if you're still concerned, there are a few things you can do: Be mindful of storage conditions: Avoid storing your skin care products in hot, humid places like your bathroom. Keeping these products at room temperature may help minimize benzene buildup. Look for alternatives: If you're uncomfortable using products containing benzoyl peroxide, there are many other acne treatments available, including options with different active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, sulfur, or retinoids. Monitor updates and regulations: Keep an eye on new studies and reports. As more research is done on benzene exposure from skin care products, additional regulations or recommendations may be issued. The discovery of benzene in skin care products, particularly those containing benzoyl peroxide, raises important concerns. While the evidence on benzene's potential health risks in this context is not definitive, it is clear that more research is needed. For now, the best course of action may be to make informed choices based on your comfort level and to keep abreast of new studies and regulatory updates. If you're unsure, consulting your dermatologist for personalized advice is always a good option. Ultimately, the goal is to use products that not only treat skin concerns effectively but also keep your health and safety in mind. Stay informed and make decisions that best align with your skin and overall well-being.
News.com.au
11-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Common household appliance raises kids' cancer risk
A new study has revealed that a common household appliance increases the risk of cancer in children nearly twice as much as it does in adults. Benzene, a toxic substance present in petrol, cigarette smoke, and paint strippers, is recognised as a carcinogen, meaning it is a substance that can cause cancer. Prolonged exposure to elevated benzene levels has been associated with leukaemia and various blood cancers. Now, research from Stanford University has discovered that benzene-related cancer risks are significantly higher in children in homes with medium to high usage of gas stoves and inadequate ventilation. 'Natural gas and propane stoves emit benzene, a known carcinogen through combustion,' the authors of the study explained, according to The New York Post. The study is set to be released in the July issue of the Journal of Hazardous Materials. 'To our knowledge, ours is the first study to assess the carcinogenic health risks from benzene formed during gas combustion from stoves, as well as leukaemia cases attributable to gas stove use,' they continued. Researchers conducted simulations of various cooking scenarios that included different burner intensities and oven temperatures, with minimal or no ventilation. They found that when there is no ventilation, benzene exposure is highest in the kitchens and living rooms of smaller apartments, followed by manufactured homes, attached homes, and detached homes. The heightened risks in bedrooms were especially concerning, as this is where people usually spend the most time. Their analysis also indicated that children's cancer risk from gas stove exposure is 1.85 times greater than that of adults. The researchers noted that children typically have a faster breathing rate and inhale more air — consequently more pollutants — compared to their smaller body sizes. 'Since there is no safe limit for benzene's carcinogenic effects, it is crucial to further evaluate the health risks associated with these effects,' the study stated. Ventilation plays a crucial role in lowering benzene concentrations, so the researchers recommend opening windows and using high-quality outdoor vent hoods. Homeowners may also consider switching to electric stoves. 'The study underscores the importance of addressing combustion-related indoor air pollutants to protect public health, particularly in households with limited ventilation,' it explained. In recent years, gas stoves have faced criticism due to studies showing that they release pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde. These emissions may cause asthma and could elevate the risk of heart disease and other health issues. In Australia, there is no nationwide ban on gas stoves; however, some states have started to restrict or phase out gas connections in homes, partly due to environmental concerns and a push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the Victorian Government began phasing out new gas connections for new homes from January 2024, and the ACT did the same in December 2023. Currently about five million households in Australia use gas, with the most gas use in homes and small businesses being in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Warning issued for common appliance - found in two out of five homes - that increases cancer risk for children
Cancer risks from a harmful chemical are significantly higher, especially for children, in homes with medium to high gas stove usage and inadequate ventilation, according to a new Stanford University study. It's the first study to assess the carcinogenic health risks from benzene formed during gas combustion from stoves, as well as leukemia cases attributable to gas stove use, researchers claimed. The university evaluated population-level exposure of benzene, a known carcinogen, and associated health risks for 6.3 million U.S. residents exposed to the top five percent of highest benzene-emitting gas stoves. The results indicated that gas stove use can significantly elevate benzene concentrations, posing potential health risks in smaller dwellings. The risks are exacerbated in kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms, where people spend most of their time. The concentrations were highest in smaller apartments, followed by manufactured homes, attached homes and detached homes. Higher efficiency ventilation systems show a notable decrease in exposure when used. However, the best ventilation scenarios did not fully mitigate the carcinogenic health risks. To conduct the study, Sanford researchers simulated different cooking scenarios involving varying burner intensities and oven temperatures with minimal or no ventilation. Benzene is a harmful chemical often found in gasoline, cigarette smoke and paint strippers and has been linked to blood-related cancers and leukemia. The research indicates children's cancer risk from gas stove exposure is 1.85 times higher than adults. Researchers noted that children typically breathe in more air than their small body size. 'This study underscores the importance of effective ventilation and highlights the need for policies and strategies to mitigate benzene exposure from gas stoves, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children,' said researchers. 'While the short-term non-carcinogenic risks are not significant, the long-term carcinogenic health risks may cause public health concern, particularly for people with high gas stove usage and inadequate ventilation.' Strategies to mitigate benzene exposure include switching to electric stoves, enhancing ventilation and reducing outdoor benzene levels in areas with heavy traffic or industrial activity. Some efforts have been undertaken to limit the number of gas stoves, which are currently in about 40 percent of households. New York became the first state to ban the installation of new gas stoves in most new homes and buildings in 2023. The measure is due to take effect in 2026 for buildings smaller than seven stories and in 2029 for bigger buildings.
