Benzene Claims Settled, But Amounts Found in Sodas Still a Possible Cause of Cancer
Just prior to Thankgiving, another soft drinks firm has changed its ingredients and agreed to pay out compensation to head off a lawsuit over the presence of cancer chemical benzene in its drinks.
Meridian Beverage Company, producer of several flavored drinks, has agreed to pay two parents compensation, including legal fees, because of exposure of their children to the chemical benzene in the drinks.
Exposure to benzene in sufficient quantities increases the risk of cancer, although drinks firms and the US Food and Drug Administration have said there is no health risk from levels found in soft drinks.
Benzene may form in drinks through a reaction between two common ingredients, benzoate preservatives and citric or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – something both industry leaders and Food and Drug Administration officials have known for years. Benzene is a known carcinogen in humans and causes benzene related cancer. Breathing benzene vapors may cause immediate death. Other exposures to the chemical have been linked to various forms of leukemia, most notably Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).
Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly and dissolves slightly in water. It is highly flammable and is formed from both natural processes and human activities.
Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.
Benzene is commonly found adhesives, asphalts, calibrating fluid, charcoal lighter fluid, cigarette lighter fluid, gasoline and a host of other consumer items.