Benzene in Soft Drinks

Consuming excessive amounts of sodas and soft drinks is often cautioned against due to their high sugar content, which can lead to tooth decay. However, another less-known but equally significant concern is the presence of benzene in these beverages. Benzene, a known carcinogen, poses a serious health risk to humans and has been linked to cancer in individuals exposed to high levels, particularly in occupational settings.

The discovery that benzene could form in soft drinks containing both benzoic acid or its salts and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) raised alarms in the early 1990s. Sodium benzoate, commonly used as a preservative in soft drinks, enhances acidity, flavor, and acts as a microbial inhibitor, extending the shelf life of these beverages. While sodium benzoate is generally considered safe, the interaction between benzoic acid or its salts and ascorbic acid under specific conditions, such as exposure to light and elevated temperatures, can lead to the formation of benzene.

It's crucial to emphasize that the mere presence of benzoic acid or its salts and ascorbic acid does not automatically result in the formation of benzene. Various factors, including pH levels, exposure to high temperatures and UV light, as well as the presence of certain minerals and sweeteners, play a role in the benzene formation process.

Recent surveys conducted by the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) indicate that the levels of benzene found in beverages do not currently pose a safety concern for consumers. The majority of samples analyzed in the survey either contained no detectable benzene or levels below 5 parts per billion (ppb).

In light of these findings, prioritizing food safety becomes imperative for both consumers and manufacturers. Swift action should be taken to address any concerns related to health and medical problems arising from the consumption of soft drinks, ensuring a proactive approach to prevent further complications. Awareness of potential risks associated with benzene formation underscores the importance of informed choices when it comes to beverage consumption, aligning with the overarching goal of maintaining public health.
Benzene in Soft Drinks

What is benzene?

Benzene was first isolated in 1825 by Michael Faraday who determined C:H ratio to be 1:1. It was synthesized in 1834 by Eilhard Mitscherlich who determined molecular formula to be C6H6. He named it as benzin, since it was derived from gum benzoin and now it is called, benzene.

The first structure for benzene, proposed by August Kekulé in 1872, consisted of a six-membered ring with alternating single and double bonds and with one hydrogen bonded to each carbon.

Benzene was discovered by USA soft drink industry in 1990 that benzene could be produced at low levels in certain soft drinks. Benzene can form in beverages containing benzoate salts and either vitamin C or erythorbic acid, a relate substance, if certain minerals are present.

Molecular formula of benzene is C6H6, it is highly unsaturated. Benzene is a liquid that smells like gasoline and it boils at 80°C & freezes at 5.5°C. Benzene is a very stable than alkenes so benzenes do not undergo reaction that alkenes do.

Benzene was formerly used to decaffeinate coffee and component of many consumer products, such as paint strippers, rubber cements, and home dry-cleaning spot removers. It is a natural constituent of petroleum products, but because it is a known carcinogen, its use as an additive in gasoline is now limited. In 1970s it was associated with leukemia deaths.
What is benzene?

Carcinogenic benzene

In the early 1990s, it was found that benzene could form in certain beverages containing potassium or sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid.

Ascorbic acid is readily oxidized by dissolved oxygen. This reaction is catalyzed by iron and copper and produces hydroxyl radicals, which can react with benzoic acid, covering it to benzene.

Benzene is a proven human carcinogen.  Exposure has been linked to increased risk of several forms of leukemia. The toxicity of benzene has been known since the 19th century when aplastic anemia was first reported.

The first epidemiologic study of benzene by Muzaffer Aksoy, published in 1974 reported a leukemia incidence during 1967 – 1973 of 13/100,000 among 28,500 Turkish shoe workers exposed to benzene at concentrations of 150 to 650 ppm for 4 months to 15 years.

Mehlman (American Journal of Industrial Medicine Volume 20, Issue 5, pages 707–711, 1991) in his paper entitled ‘Benzene Health Effects’ describe a wide range of the hemato-toxicity of benzene. Nilsson R (Occup Environ Med 1998; 55:517-521) describes leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma in seamen to benzene in tankers.

Many mechanisms have been suggested for the carcinogenicity of benzene. One involved modification by benzene or its metabolites of ‘immune surveillance’ thereby allowing development of unusual cellular species that cause leukemia and other neoplasms in humans.
Carcinogenic benzene

Benzene in soft drink

When benzoic acid and ascorbic acid are used in the same product, manufacturers must be aware of a possible interaction which can result in the formation of benzene.

Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon compound used extensively in the chemical industry as an intermediate in the manufacture of polymers and other products.

It is a byproduct and also a common atmospheric contaminant.  It can cause leukemia at high levels of consumption. It occurs naturally in some foods like meat, eggs and bananas.

Benzene was discovered by USA soft drink industry in 1990 that benzene could be produced at low levels in certain soft drinks. Benzene can form in beverages containing benzoate salts and either vitamin C or erythorbic acid, a relate substance, if certain minerals are present.

The FDA worked with manufacturers at that time to reformulate their beverages so that the drinks would not pose a safety risk.

According to the researchers, benzene is formed when the ascorbic acid in the beverage reacts with the food additives used for the soda. However, the resulting benzene is very low and at negligible amounts.

Ascorbic acid is readily oxidized by dissolved oxygen. This reaction is catalyzed by iron and copper ions and produces hydroxyl radicals, which can react with benzoic acid, converting it to benzene.
Benzene in soft drink

Soft Drinks - The Drink of Champions?

Soft Drinks - The Drink of Champions?
One of the most heavily promoted and "coolest" products around are soft drinks. Millions are spent on superstars advertising coke, pepsi and the like. We know they are not healthy but how damaging is that innocent - and many would say satisfying - can of coke to our health?

The current soft drink epidemic
In the U.K. in 2004 nearly 14 billion litres of soft drink were consumed. The 2004 total soft drinks figure represents an increase of 47% over the past ten years.

In Australia soft drink consumption increased by over 30% in the 10 years to 1999. 50% of 16-18 year olds consumed soft drinks every day.

These popular beverages account for more than a quarter of all drinks consumed in the United States. More than 56.9 billion liters were sold in 2000 - that works out to at least one can per day for every man, woman and child. Soft drink consumption among children and adolescents rose 41% between 1989-1991 and 1994-1995, mostly displacing milk and juice, the leading sources of many vitamins and minerals in the American diet.

The ingredients
One can of soft drink has about:
• 10-13 teaspoons of sugar
• 30 to 55 mg of caffeine
• And additionally it is loaded with artificial food colors and sulphites

Physical costs from soft drink ingredients
• Sugar: Soft drink manufacturers are the largest single user of refined sugar in the United States. It is a proven fact that sugar increases insulin levels, which can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, premature aging and numerous other negative side effects including associated tooth disease problems.

• Caffeine: Caffeinated drinks cause many nervous system reactions including the jitters and insomnia. High caffeine use is associated with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood cholesterol levels, vitamin and mineral depletion that potentially leads to disease.

• Aspartame: This chemical is used as a sugar substitute in diet soda. There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption including brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures. Further, when aspartame is stored for long periods of time or kept in warm areas it changes to methanol, an alcohol that converts to formaldehyde and formic acid, which are known carcinogens.

• Phosphoric Acid: May interfere with the body's ability to use calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis or softening of the teeth and bones. Phosphoric acid also neutralizes the hydrochloric acid in your stomach, which can interfere with digestion, making it difficult to utilize nutrients.

• Benzene: Recent random government testing of soft drinks found five of them contaminated with levels of benzene (which is a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia) that exceeded federal standards set for benzene in drinking water. Benzene is able to form in beverages that contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and the preservatives sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate.

No doubt soft drinks are one of the main reasons from a nutritionally perspective why many people suffer health problems. Aside from the negative effects of the soda itself, drinking a lot of it is likely to leave you with little appetite for whole foods that your body needs to function at its best.
Soft Drinks - The Drink Of Champions?
By Craig Burton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com