Health Effects Of Benzene In Sodas

Benzene is a chemical compound found in many industrial products, such as gasoline, plastics, dyes and solvents, although its use in industry is declining due to its toxicity. Benzene is not meant to be ingested by humans, although small amounts can seep into soil and groundwater. As a result, benzene has been detected in some tap water and soft drinks. A benzene precursor, called sodium benzoate, is added to some sodas to increase their acidity and flavor. According to MSNBC, the Food and Drug Administration found four times the allowable amount of benzene in 19 of the 24 sodas they randomly tested.

Toxicity

Benzene is considered to be highly toxic, even in small doses. As early as 1948, the American Petroleum Institute position on benzene has been that the only tolerable amount in the human body is zero. According to the Centers for Disease Control, benzene causes cellular damage, particularly to your bone marrow. Benzene reduces the amount of blood cells your bone marrow can manufacture, and can affect your immune system by reducing the number of white blood cells.

Cancer Risk

Benzene is a known carcinogen, and can cause various forms of cancer, especially leukemia. According to a 1996 study published in the journal "Environmental Health Perspectives," researchers found that benzene causes changes in your DNA that affect your bone marrow, which directly contributes to the spontaneous occurrence of leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood, and is one of the most deadly forms of cancer.

Other Effects

The Centers for Disease Control state that drinking beverages, such as soda, with high levels of benzene can cause immediate side effects that include vomiting, stomach upset, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid heart beat and, in some rare cases, death. Direct exposure to high concentrations of benzene can cause irritation to your eyes, skin and lungs. If you think you have ingested a high amount of benzene, seek medical attention.

Considerations

The FDA insists that the amount of benzene detected in soda is tolerable, although people who drink large quantities of soda for a long period of time are at an increased risk for developing the side effects associated with benzene ingestion. In 2008, the Coca-Cola Company announced it would begin removing benzene from its products, with the exception of Fanta and Dr. Pepper. The best way to avoid the toxic effects of benzene is to avoid soda that contains benzene or sodium benzoate.