People are always reminded to refrain from consuming too much sodas and softdrinks because they contain lots of sugar and can cause tooth decay. But never because they contain benzene.
In 2001, an Italian survey was conducted to determine benzene in 60 beverages. Benzene was detected at low concentrations in all the samples. Regular and diet softdrinks, orange juice and carbonated orange juice were analyzed and found to contain benzene amounts that ranges from 0.7 to 2.9 ppb.
Benzene is not in the product as produced, but it can form due to a reaction that occurs between certain ingredients used to preserve and flavor the drinks.
It has been established that the source of benzene in softdrinks is the decarboxylation of benzoic acid when ascorbic acid and trace amounts of a suitable metal catalysts (copper or iron) are present.
This now posed a new barrage of health and medical concerns and debates.
Benzene is carcinogen which is used in production of plastics, detergents and pesticides. It is produced naturally by the burning of natural products. Benzene has caused leukemia to develop in people which have bee exposed to it.
Benzene is produced from petrochemicals and is used as an engine antiknock agent in gasoline.
It does not matter whether the benzene concentration is negligible or not, but the fact that it is in there and it is significant enough to be detected, should alert health and medical professionals.
It is also imperative that consumption of softdrinks found with benzene should be stopped or else limited to adults since benzene can stunt the growth of the mental and physical faculties of children.
Beverage producers are now reformulating the ingredients to avoid the reaction. Many drinks have now replaced potassium benzoate in drinks with potassium sorbate.
However, for several years millions of us swallowed benzene in softdrinks without our knowledge.
Lastly, perhaps it is better to limit intake of processed foods and beverages to ensure that less chemicals enter and pollute the body systems.
Food safety should be a top priority for consumers and manufacturers alike. It is also wise to act on anything that raise health and medical problems immediately to avoid further complications.
Toxin in our beverages
