A DANGEROUS chemical banned in several countries may still be found in dozens of products used by millions of Americans every day.
The health warning comes after several brands of the generic painkiller Mucinex were tested for health-hazardous levels of a potential carcinogen called benzene.
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Benzene has been shown to cause blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, but it continues to be used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber and various other chemicals.
It has also been used to produce medicinal elements – in this case a carbomer – that help drugs have long-lasting effects.
Due to its link to cancer, the use of benzene in consumer products has been phased out in several countries.
Benzene is subject to strict regulations by the European Chemicals Agency, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet set strict limits on safe levels of this carcinogen in American products.
Read more about carcinogens
According to a report, versions of the drug sold by British pharmaceutical giant Reckitt Benckiser Group under the brand Mucinex are made from carbomer, which does not contain benzene.
Because replacing it with a benzene-free carbomer is more expensive than using the tried-and-tested classic, several companies have not yet made the switch – including, according to a report, the largest retailers in the USA.
But Mucinex generics containing the carcinogenic benzene are still sold at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens and dozens of other national chains across the country, according to Bloomberg News’ analysis.
A KNOWN CARCINOGEN
The FDA began investigating the dangers of benzene and announced last year that it would begin phasing out the chemical from drug use by 2025.
Following resistance from the pharmaceutical industry, the phase-out deadline was extended to 2026.
“The FDA continually works to ensure that all medicines meet the highest quality standards, always keeping the health and well-being of Americans first,” said Amanda Hils, an agency spokeswoman.
These American retailers all source the contaminated carbomer from a single New Jersey manufacturer – Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc., a report says.
In addition to Mucinex, benzene is also found in many common medications and household products, such as the Walgreens version of the oral pain reliever Anbesol, Walmart’s Equate brand facial moisturizer with sunscreen, and Rite Aid’s generic Bengay muscle ointment.
Despite international opposition, U.S. regulators allowed pharmaceutical companies to continue using benzene for decades.
CVS has announced that it is working with its supplier to replace the ingredient.
Learn more about Benzene
BENZENE is a colorless or light yellow chemical liquid that can be highly toxic and has been shown to cause blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
It is used in a variety of products that Americans use every day, including paints, varnishes, adhesives and other solvents.
Benzene is also used in some cleaning products such as degreasers and oven cleaners.
The chemical is a component of tobacco smoke and can pose a risk of infection for smokers and passive smokers.
Benzene is also found in some of the tasty treats Americans eat every day, including Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, Skittles, Nerds, M&M’s and Doritos.
Walgreens said the company is working with its suppliers to ensure compliance with FDA regulations.
For private label drugs, the retailer is responsible, while for private label generic drugs, the liability lies with the manufacturer.
All major US chains purchase the expectorant drug Mucinex from the same New Jersey company, Amneal Pharmaceuticals.
Replacing ingredients is “extremely expensive and extremely time-consuming,” says Vivek Dave, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at St. John Fisher University in New York.
The product needs to be retested and approved by the FDA, he added.
“There is no scientific or therapeutic reason to use a carbomer made with benzene,” said Jeff Keyser, inventor of Mucinex and now CEO of pharmaceutical startup Renibus Therapeutics.
“There are other things out there they can use.”
According to the New York Post, benzene has also been found in artificial colors and sweeteners in snacks consumed daily, including Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, Skittles, Nerds, M&Ms and Doritos.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals did not immediately respond to US Sun’s request for comment.
The US Sun has asked CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Target for comment.
TAKE IT OFF THE SHELVES
Meanwhile, CVS removed a nasal decongestant from its shelves this year after an FDA advisory committee found it ineffective.
The decongestants contained the oral formulation of phenylephrine, which is found in many over-the-counter medications.
The FDA’s Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee unanimously concluded in September 2023 that phenylephrine does not improve nasal congestion any more than a placebo dose.
CVS removed products containing this ingredient from its shelves, even though the FDA was never able to determine whether it was an unsafe and ineffective drug.
“We are aware of the FDA Advisory Committee’s position on oral phenylephrine (PE) and will follow FDA guidance to ensure that the products we sell comply with all laws and regulations,” CVS Health said in a statement.
“We are taking certain oral cough and cold medications that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from CVS Pharmacy stores.
“To meet consumer needs, other oral cough and cold products will continue to be offered.”
Concerns about phenylephrine were first raised in 2007 because experts believe the body processes the drug before it reaches the nasal passages, where it is supposed to work.
Walgreens has announced its action plan to combat products containing phenylephrine.
“Walgreens is following FDA regulations, we are closely monitoring the situation and are actively working with the Walgreens Office of Clinical Integrity and suppliers to discuss appropriate next steps,” a Walgreens spokesperson told ABC News.
