Popular Acne Drug Turns Cancerous
A recent study has raised concerns about the potential contamination of widely-used acne creams with benzene, a known carcinogen. Researchers found that products containing benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a common ingredient in over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments, can develop elevated levels of benzene even when stored at room temperature. The study tested 111 different acne products from major retailers and revealed that benzoyl peroxide can degrade into benzene over time due to factors such as temperature and exposure to sunlight.
Published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology on October 7, the research highlighted that many popular brands, including Clearasil, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, and Proactiv, were found to have significant levels of benzene contamination. Dr. Christopher Bunick, an associate professor of dermatology at Yale University, emphasized that the study is the first to demonstrate benzene formation from BPO at normal storage conditions, indicating a pressing public health concern.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies benzene as a known human carcinogen, particularly associated with an increased risk of leukemia. The study’s findings showed that approximately 34% of the tested products exceeded the FDA’s conditional limit of 2 parts per million for benzene in medications. However, researchers noted that there is no safe level of exposure to this toxic substance.
Some products tested contained benzene concentrations as high as 35.3 parts per million. The study suggested that refrigerating BPO products could significantly slow the process of benzene formation, thereby reducing exposure risks. Dr. Bunick proposed that the recommendation for refrigeration should be implemented throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing to consumer usage, until safer formulations are developed.
Dr. Richard Gallo, chair of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego, acknowledged the importance of the study’s findings and called for further research to determine whether the presence of benzene in BPO products could lead to an increased risk of cancer. This research underscores the need for vigilance regarding the safety of consumer products and the potential health implications associated with common acne treatments.
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