The news that benzene has been found at high levels in numerous dry shampoo brands has shed further light on the presence of this cancer-causing substance in consumer products.
As media have reported, 70 per cent of dry shampoos tested by Valisure, an independent laboratory in the US, found many containing high levels of the carcinogen.
The findings, released at the beginning of this month, are of particular concern because dry shampoos are administered using aerosols, so benzene may linger in the air and be breathed in over time.
Just last month, other dry shampoos were recalled because of concerns about benzene levels. Last year, Valisure raised the alarm about levels of benzene in hand sanitisers, body sprays and sunscreens, several of which were also recalled.
These findings are the highest and most broadly detected levels of benzene observed by Valisure to-date in a consumer product category
Valisure laboratory report
Here we look at the laboratory's most recent findings and consider what they mean.
What was found in the dry shampoos?
Valisure analysed 148 batches from 34 dry shampoo brands. It found that 70 per cent (103 batches out of 148) had levels of benzene above the safe limit for drugs of two parts per million (ppm) specified by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Some drugs require benzene for there to be a therapeutic effect, but the presence of benzene in dry shampoos, even at low levels, is not necessary.
As a result, in a "citizen petition" to the FDA, Valisure’s chief executive, David Light, and the organisation’s head of global analytics, Dr Qian Wu, said "any significant detection of benzene could be deemed unacceptable".
One dry shampoo brand contained levels up to 170 times the FDA limit, while 11 samples had concentrations more than 10 times the limit.
"These findings are the highest and most broadly detected levels of benzene observed by Valisure to-date in a consumer product category," the laboratory said.
Because the products are used indoors, where the benzene "may linger and be inhaled for prolonged periods of time", Mr Light said the detection of high levels was "a significant cause for concern".
Just last month, the FDA reported that high levels of benzene had caused Unilever in the US to issue "a voluntary product recall" for some batches of Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé dry shampoos.
The carcinogen was present because of the propellant used, and Unilever was said to be working with the supplier to deal with the issue.
What is benzene?
Benzene is a hydrocarbon that is usually obtained from crude oil. Although a carcinogen, it has valuable functions, being used today in the production of everything from insecticides to plastics.
The harm that benzene can cause was identified more than 80 years ago. It may cause short-term irritation and, more seriously, acute myeloid leukaemia and other types of cancer.
In the past, before it was found to cause cancer, benzene was an ingredient in cosmetics and cleaning products, and was even used in the process of decaffeinating coffee, Public Health England states in an online briefing document.
"Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment," the FDA said in a statement last month. "Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources."
Some people have higher exposure because of their jobs, because of where they live (as a result of pollution) or if they smoke.
Benzene is found in petrol and vehicle exhausts, but levels are lower than they used to be.
Employees can be exposed to benzene at chemical and petrochemical plants, and oil refineries, although regulations should reduce risks.
People can take in benzene through their skin or eyes, by breathing it in or by eating or drinking substances that contain the chemical.
What is happening now over benzene in dry shampoos?
In statements reported by US media, several producers of dry shampoos highlighted in the latest results as having high levels of benzene, including Batiste and Not Your Mother’s, said that propellants from suppliers were the source of the chemical. These propellants reportedly were not supposed to contain benzene.
Some manufacturers said their own testing had not detected benzene and indicated that they would look further into Valisure’s findings.
In its citizen petition, Valisure requested that the FDA ask for a recall of high-benzene batches of dry shampoo because they were "contaminated with a known human carcinogen".
Valisure also recommended that the FDA update its regulations and clarify that there is "no acceptable level of benzene in cosmetic products and establish a reasonable detection limit".
The FDA has yet to respond publicly to the latest findings from Valisure.
Cancer-causing hidden nitrates found in processed foods - in pictures
MATCH INFO
CAF Champions League semi-finals first-leg fixtures
Tuesday:
Primeiro Agosto (ANG) v Esperance (TUN) (8pm UAE)
Al Ahly (EGY) v Entente Setif (ALG) (11PM)
Second legs:
October 23
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About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
Famous left-handers
- Marie Curie
- Jimi Hendrix
- Leonardo Di Vinci
- David Bowie
- Paul McCartney
- Albert Einstein
- Jack the Ripper
- Barack Obama
- Helen Keller
- Joan of Arc
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
READ MORE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Globalization and its Discontents Revisited
Joseph E. Stiglitz
W. W. Norton & Company
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
