benzene

Benzene is primarily released into the environment with the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, but other sources of emissions also contribute significantly to the global burden. Benzene is also an important raw material for the production of various plastics. The absorption of large quantities of benzene in humans can lead to acute intoxication and even in small amounts benzene represents a not to be underestimated health risk, because it has a carcinogenic effect. Contamination of foods with benzene, as has been proven in the past, for example in juice drinks, is therefore extremely critical. The impurities in juices were probably caused by a chemical reaction of the preservative benzoic acid with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), according to the assessment of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. (Fp)

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(Picture 1: WS-Design / fotolia.com)