Get benzene out of soft drinks

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) uncovered data in a June 2003 FDA report called the "Total Diet Study," showing that nearly 80 percent of diet soda samples tested from 1995 to 2001 contained benzene at levels well above the federal standard of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for tap water. Among 24 diet cola samples, 19 had levels that were on average four times higher than the tap water limit, with one non-diet cola drink testing at 138 ppb, or 27 times the limit.

Benzene is a common industrial chemical that the Environmental Protection Agency classifies as a human carcinogen. Long-term exposure can cause leukemia and other blood cancers. Benzene can form in soft drinks when the ingredients ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and either sodium or potassium benzoate (preservatives) interact, depending on shelf life and exposure to heat and light.

Take Action

1. Steer clear of products that contain both ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and either sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate.

2. Tell the FDA to get benzene out of soft drinks. Here's a sample letter and the proper address where you can mail it:

Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

Dear FDA,

In light of the recent data from your June 2003 FDA report, the "Total Diet Study," I am concerned about high benzene levels in soft drinks. Your data showed 79 percent of diet soda samples tested from 1995 to 2001 were contaminated with benzene levels above federal safety standards for benzene in tap water. I ask that you not only disclose your most recent test results to the public but that you also inform consumers as to which products contain high levels of benzene. Consumers should also be warned of the circumstances under which benzene is more likely to form (such as prolonged storage under warm conditions). Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency and long-term exposure can cause leukemia and other blood cancers. Great Britain's public health agency has recently disclosed its test results to the public and recalled four soft drink products from store shelves due to benzene contamination. I urge the FDA not to conceal simple information that would allow the public to easily avoid this potent human carcinogen in the beverages they consume and give to their children.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

3. Click here to sign the EWG petition: www.whatsinmysoda.com

4. Forward this message to your friends and co-workers, and urge them to write to the FDA as well.

For more information:

www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/news/politics/14291361.htm

www.ewg.org/issues/toxics/20060404/index.php

www.ewg.org/news/eclips.php?issueid=5035