Butylated hydroxyanisole

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a man-made chemical commonly used as a preservative in processed foods. Similar to the man-made preservative butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) with which it is often used, BHA is an antioxidant that is soluble in oils and animal fats. Both BHA and BHT are used to extend shelf life of processed foods by reducing the occurrence of oxidation and rancidity. Instead of being added directly to the food, BHA is usually added to the packaging material from where it vaporizes into the food during storage.

In some animal studies, BHA has been found to be carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer), to cause temporary liver enlargement, lung damage, hemorrhage (bleeding), and to disrupt cellular energy production. In skin patch tests, BHA has caused contact dermatitis.

Processed foods most likely to contain BHA include chewing gum, active dry yeast, frozen convenience foods, prepared cereal products, prepared snacks, and dried and processed meat. BHA is also a chemical preservative used in animal feeds and drugs; therefore consumption of non-organic meats and dairy products may be another cause of exposure. In addition to its use in food preservation, BHA is also used in the manufacture of rubber, tires and petroleum and is an ingredient in some cosmetics.

While BHT is on the Federal Drug Administrations Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list of food additives, it carries a risk of toxicity. Although not enough research has been conducted involving humans to establish whether or not BHA is a carcinogen (chemical capable of causing cancer), sufficient evidence in animals has shown that BHA can be carcinogenic. Even though in some animal studies administration of BHA has been found to protect animals from cancer-causing chemicals, other studies have shown that it may hasten tumor development in animals that already have cancer. Large doses have also been found to cause temporary liver enlargement, lung damage and hemorrhage (bleeding) in experimental animals. In addition, BHA seems to be capable of uncoupling a critical cellular energy-producing process known as phosphorylation with the result being a diminished supply of cellular energy available to power the cells, and therefore, the body. Finally, skin patch tests with BHA have resulted in the development of contact dermatitis.

Persons who are at greatest risk for BHA exposure include those who eat foods that are packaged or processed or fried foods prepared in restaurants. Skin contact may occur with the use of BHA-containing cosmetics while occupational exposure may exist for persons who work in the manufacturing of processed and packaged foods, cosmetics, tires, rubber, petroleum or any other products that contain BHA.

Mixture of 2- and 3-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenols that is used as an antioxidant in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Persons who are at greatest risk for BHA exposure include those who eat foods that are packaged or processed or fried foods prepared in restaurants. Skin contact may occur with the use of BHA-containing cosmetics while occupational exposure may exist for persons who work in the manufacturing of processed and packaged foods, cosmetics, tires, rubber, petroleum or any other products that contain BHA.

Instead of being added directly to the food itself, BHA is usually added to the packaging material from where it can vaporize into the food during storage. By addition BHA to packaging instead of directly to food, manufacturers can avoid listing BHA on food labels since packaging components are considered accidental food additives. Processed foods most likely to feature BHA include chewing gum, active dry yeast, frozen convenience foods, prepared cereal products, prepared snacks, and dried and processed meat. BHA is also a chemical preservative used in animal feeds and drugs; therefore consumption of non-organic meats and dairy products may be another vector for exposure. In addition to its use in food preservation, BHA is also used in the manufacture of rubber, tires and petroleum and is an ingredient in some cosmetics.

While BHA is on the Federal Drug Administrations Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list of food additives, it carries with it risk of toxicity. Although there has not been enough research conducted involving humans to establish whether or not BHA is a carcinogen (chemical capable of causing cancer), there is sufficient evidence in animals that BHA is carcinogenic. Even though in some animal studies administration of BHA has been found to protect animals from cancer-causing chemicals, other studies have shown that it may hasten tumor development in animals that already have cancer. Large doses have also been found to cause temporary liver enlargement, lung damage and hemorrhage in experimental animals. In addition, BHA seems to be capable of uncoupling a cellular energy-producing process known as phosphorylation with the result being a diminished supply of cellular energy available to power the cells, and therefore, the body. Finally, skin patch tests with BHA have resulted in the development of contact dermatitis.