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My name is Daniel Guardado, I'm a student in Animo Inglewood Charter High School and I'm doing research on The Dirty Dozen. I hope to find information about the use of BHA and BHT and if the chemical is safe to consume?

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Article 1 : "The Dirty Dozen: BHA and BHT"

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Article 1 : "The Dirty Dozen: BHA and BHT"

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The article The Dirty Dozen: BHA and BHT from the David Suzuki Foundation focuses on two commonly used chemical preservatives—BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)—which are found in processed foods, cosmetics, and personal care products. These chemicals are used to extend shelf life, but they have raised health concerns due to their potential carcinogenic properties and other adverse effects on human health and the environment. Despite their possible risks, BHA and BHT are still widely used and approved for consumption in many countries. The article urges consumers to be more aware of these chemicals in their daily products and encourages regulatory change to better protect public health.

5 key takeaways from the article were:

Health Risks: BHA and BHT are linked to potential health risks such as cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental issues, with BHA being classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Common Presence: These chemicals are commonly found in processed foods (like snacks, cereals, and chips) and various personal care products (such as lotions, deodorants, and cosmetics).

Regulatory Concerns: Despite evidence suggesting potential harm, BHA and BHT are still legally permitted for use in many countries, raising concerns about existing regulatory standards.

Consumer Awareness: Many consumers are unaware that these chemicals are present in everyday products, making it important to check labels and make more informed choices.

Call for Change: The article advocates for stronger regulations and increased consumer awareness regarding harmful additives like BHA and BHT, and encourages choosing safer, natural alternatives when possible.

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Use in Cosmetics

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are closely related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturizers, among other cosmetics. They are also widely used as food preservatives.

Health and Environmental Hazards

BHA and BHT can induce allergic reactions in the skin [1]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen [2]. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has also listed BHA as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function [3].

Long-term exposure to high doses of BHT is toxic in mice and rats, causing liver, thyroid and kidney problems and affecting lung function and blood coagulation [4]. BHT can act as a tumour promoter in certain situations [5]. Limited evidence suggests that high doses of BHT may mimic estrogen [6], the primary female sex hormone, and prevent expression of male sex hormones [7], resulting in adverse reproductive affects.

Under the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, BHA is listed as a chemical of potential concern, noting its toxicity to aquatic organisms and potential to bioaccumulate [8]. Likewise, a United Nations Environment Program assessment noted that BHT had a moderate to high potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic species (though the assessment deemed BHT safe for humans) [9].

Regulatory Status

The use of BHA and BHT in cosmetics is unrestricted in Canada, although Health Canada has categorized BHA as a "high human health priority" on the basis of carcinogenicity and BHT as a "moderate human health priority". Both chemicals have been flagged for future assessment under the government's Chemicals Management Plan.

International regulations are stronger. The European Union prohibits the use of BHA as fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. The State of California requires warning labels on products containing BHA, notifying consumers that this ingredient may cause cancer.

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine, in Haz-Map: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Agents, 2010, http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov.
2. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans vol. 17 (Paris: International Agency for Research on Cancer), vol. 40 (1986).
3. Study on Enhancing the Endocrine Disrupter Priority List with a Focus on Low Production Volume Chemicals, Revised Report to DG Environment (Hersholm, Denmark: DHI Water and Environment, 2007), http://ec.europa.eu/environment/endocrine/documents/final_report_2007.pdf.
4. UNEP and OECD, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) Screening Information Data Set: Initial Assessment Report (Paris: OECD, 2002), http://www.inchem.org/documents/sids/sids/128370.pdf.
5. Baur, A.K. et al., "The lung tumor promoter, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), causes chronic inflammation in promotion-sensitive BALB/cByJ mice but not in promotion-resistant CXB4 mice," Toxicology 169, no. 1 (December 2001): 1-15.
6. Wada, H. et al., "In vitro estrogenicity of resin composites," Journal of Dental Research 83, no. 3 (March 2004): 222-6.
7. Schrader, TJ and GM Cooke, "Examination of selected food additives and organochlorine food contaminants for androgenic activity in vitro," Toxicological Sciences 53, no. 2 (February 2000): 278-88.
8. "OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Fact sheet for Butylhydroxyanisol." (OSPAR, April 15, 2002), http://www.ospar.org.
9. UNEP and OECD, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) Screening Information Data Set: Initial Assessment Report.

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The Dirty Dozen: BHA and BHT - David Suzuki Foundation

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BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are closely related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturizers, among other cosmetics. They are also widely used as food preservatives. BHA and BHT can induce allergic reactions in the skin [1]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen [2].

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Article 2 : "BHA and BHT keeps food fresh, but are they safe?"

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Article 2 : "BHA and BHT keeps food fresh, but are they safe?"

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The article "BHA and BHT Keeps Food Fresh, But Are They Safe?" by Shereen Lehman explores the use of BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) as preservatives in food. These chemicals are commonly used to prevent spoilage, extend shelf life, and maintain freshness in products like cereals, chips, and snacks. However, the article discusses the growing concerns surrounding their safety. BHA and BHT have been linked to health risks such as cancer, hormone disruption, and allergic reactions, though evidence of these risks in humans is still debated. The article concludes by recommending that consumers be aware of these additives, check labels when possible, and choose foods with fewer artificial preservatives when possible, though it acknowledges that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of these chemicals.

5 Key takeaways from the article are:

Function of BHA and BHT: Both are chemical preservatives used to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage in processed foods like snacks and cereals.

Health Concerns: Studies have shown links between BHA and BHT and health issues like cancer, hormone disruption, and allergic reactions, though the evidence in humans is not conclusive.

FDA’s Stance: The FDA considers both BHA and BHT generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in small amounts, though this designation is under scrutiny due to emerging health concerns.

BHA vs. BHT: BHA is classified as a possible carcinogen, while BHT has not been definitively linked to cancer in humans but has shown harmful effects in animals at high doses.

Consumer Awareness: Consumers should be aware of these chemicals in food products and consider choosing items without artificial preservatives to reduce potential health risks.

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Food preservatives are added to many processed foods to extend freshness and help prevent spoilage caused by bacteria, mold or other issues. Certain processed foods also contain food additives to enhance flavor or increase shelf life. BHA and BHT are two common food additives that you might find listed on the package label of many popular foods.

Many people question the safety of these food additives and it is an understandable concern. Rest assured, though, that both BHA and BHT have been tested for safety and approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so long as they meet certain requirements.

What Are BHA and BHT?

Food manufacturers add butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to foods like cereal and other dry goods to help the fats in these products stay fresher longer. Both BHA and BHT are antioxidants, which means they can provide some protection from the damaging effects of oxygen exposure. In a way, BHA and BHT are similar to vitamin E, which is also an antioxidant and is often used as a preservative as well.

Processed foods like potato flakes and dry breakfast cereals are usually packaged in air-proof packaging filled with something inert and harmless like nitrogen gas. But once you open the package, the contents are exposed to oxygen in the air.

The fats in processed foods react to the oxygen and go rancid. Foods with rancid fats taste bad and while a little rancid fat won't hurt you, it's probably not something you'd want to eat frequently.

Common Uses in Food and Other Products

BHA is added to a number of processed foods including butter, lard, meats, cereals, baked goods, sweets, beer, vegetable oils, potato chips, other snack foods, some nut products, dehydrated potatoes, and certain flavoring agents.

BHT is used in chewing gum, animal feed, preserved meats, dehydrated foods, baked goods, snack foods, certain edible fats, and other foods that contain fats and additional flavoring. Both BHA and BHT are found in foods and food packaging as well as cosmetics and other personal care products.

Many foods that contain BHA and/or BHT are ultra-processed foods. You may wish to avoid them-but not necessarily because of the preservatives they contain. Whole or minimally processed foods are usually more nutrient-dense, providing more of the nutrition your body needs to function well.

Are BHA and BHT Safe?

The FDA considers both BHA and BHT to be safe for use in processed foods in limited approved amounts. Research has estimated the amount of BHA and BHT that would be present in an average diet and didn't find any problems. In fact, some studies have shown that small amounts of BHA and BHT can actually produce an anti-inflammatory effect.

However, studies suggest that consuming unusually large quantities of BHA may have some interactions with hormonal birth control methods or steroid hormones. While the FDA allows food manufacturers to use both BHA and BHT, additional studies are still needed to ensure its long-term safety.

Other Health Risks

Studies on the potential health risks of BHA and BHT are ongoing. Here's a close look at what some of the current research has to say about foods and other products containing these additives.

Cancer: The National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on Carcinogens states there is enough evidence from animal studies to suggest that BHA could cause cancer in humans, but acknowledges that epidemiological evidence in humans is still lacking.

Developmental and reproductive toxicity: Some older animal studies showed that large doses of BHA resulted in reproductive dysfunction, particularly changes in testosterone levels and underdeveloped sex organs.

Endocrine disruption: The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has identified BHA as a potential human endocrine disruptor. However, the current evidence is still inconclusive. As one study notes, "BHA might be responsible for different endocrine-disrupting effects in humans, but the lack of sufficient evidence does not allow any direct link toward this antioxidant. It might act alone, or together with physiological hormones or any other EDCs to which the population is exposed on a daily basis."

Lung and skin irritation: There is some evidence to suggest that large amounts of BHT may cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation in humans.

Organ toxicity: Some older animal studies have shown that larger doses of BHT when applied topically caused kidney, liver, and lung tissue damage. However, researchers determined that lower FDA-approved levels of BHT found in cosmetics were generally considered safe.

As a precaution, vulnerable populations, such as infants, young children, and people who are pregnant or lactating may want to avoid BHA and BHT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad for your health to eat food with BHA and BHT?

The FDA considers foods containing approved levels of BHA and BHT safe for consumption and there is not enough evidence to show that these amounts pose a threat to human health. But larger doses may put you at risk for developing certain forms of cancer. Despite this, cereal manufacturers like General Mills have actually removed BHT from their cereals to help clear up any confusion around safety and put consumers at ease.

How can you avoid BHT and BHA in food?

The best way to avoid BHT and BHA in food is to steer clear of packaged, processed foods and stick to fresh whole foods whenever possible. Excessive consumption of ultra-processed food is linked to a number of chronic health conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, but that has little to do with BHT and BHA and more so to do with the high amounts of fat and added sugar found in these foods.

A Word From Verywell

Food preservatives and additives like BHA and BHT are safe to consume in the specific dose recommended by the FDA, but keep in mind that scientific research on the long-term effects of higher doses is still ongoing. The main health concern may not be the additives themselves, but rather, the nutritional value of the processed foods that contain them.

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Are Common Food Additives in Dry Goods Like Cereal Safe to Eat?

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Food preservatives are added to many processed foods to extend freshness and help prevent spoilage caused by bacteria, mold or other issues. Certain processed foods also contain food additives to enhance flavor or increase shelf life. BHA and BHT are two common food additives that you might find listed on the package label of many popular foods.

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According to the first article on people's concerns if BHA and BHT are safe to consume, the study states that in moderate amounts, both chemicals are generally considered safe by food safety authorities like the FDA. However, some studies have raised red flags about potential health risks when consumed over extended periods, particularly in large quantities. Because of these concerns, some people prefer to avoid foods containing BHA and BHT, opting for more natural preservatives like vitamin E (tocopherols) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) instead.

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According to the first article on people's concerns if BHA and BHT are safe to consume, the study states that BHA: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified BHA as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance when used in certain quantities. However, some studies have raised concerns about its potential to cause cancer in animal tests, which has led to calls for more caution in its use, especially for long-term consumption. Some research suggests that BHA may have carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties, and in high amounts, it can be problematic.

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According to the second article, on people's concerns if its safe to consume BHA and BHT, the study states that it's best to avoid it at all costs. BHA and BHT can be found in a variety of processed goods, including butter, lard, vegetable oils, and certain flavoring agents. You can also expect to find BHA in meats, cereals, baked goods, sweets, beer, potato chips, certain kinds of nuts, and most snack products. Basically, most things we consume/eat on a daily basis has BHA and BHT in it. This can be bad since it can lead to bad health risks and can also lead to death if not careful about consuming too much of it. By all means, it's best to avoid at all cost and lean towards healthier food selections.

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According to the second article on people's concerns if BHA and BHT are safe to consume, the study stated that the chemical in food can't harm you but can risk health. This risk can even lead to cancer, hormone disruption, and allergic reactions, though evidence of these risks in humans is still debated. Although, the text also states that it's best to avoid it because consuming the BHA and BHT a lot can cause risk to your health faster. Overall, BHA and BHT is not safe to consume for the human body but are only used to keep food from spoiling since its food that isn't finished in a week. Finally according to the studies, the best way to avoid BHT and BHA in food is to steer clear of packaged, processed foods and stick to fresh, whole foods whenever possible.

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1. The new skills that I developed during this project were being able to get lots of information from articles and by learning new things that are good and bad in this world. This skill will be needed in future assignments in this school year. This would also help in the future in college when I'm doing school work to pass and continue my path. This skill of finding the main points of just an article can also help in other documents and working assignments to do something fast and professionally. Overall, this skill will help me finish work faster and have the main points from the article stand out to understand the article.

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What I learned about my topic that surprised me was the BHA and BHT was not chemically only in food products but also in make up brands. This was bad because consuming a lot of BHA and BHT can cause health risks like cancer which only happens with high consumption of BHA and BHT which people do with foods and make up. This shaped my argument by now being more careful with the choices I have to make with food products and other products that can have harmful chemicals in them. Overall, the Dirty Dozen is horrible and must be avoided at all cost to stay healthy and not risking your health.