These Eye Drops Are Hurting, and Even Killing, People

A recent outbreak of eye infections and other strange symptoms has been linked to a potential contamination of eye drops. The contamination has resulted in at least 68 known infections. At least eight people are now legally blind, four have had their eyes surgically removed, and three people have died. As a result, Global Pharma Healthcare (GPH), a pharmaceutical company based in India, has voluntarily recalled multiple products, such as EzriCare and Delsam Pharma brands of "Artificial Lubricant Eye Drops." Other pharmaceutical companies have also issued recalls for their own eye drop brands. The manufacturer Apotex recalled eye drops for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. As a precautionary measure, Pharmedica USA recalled their "soothing" eye drops. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since issued a mandatory recall of all potentially-contaminated products (2). 

The responsible contaminant here is a gram-negative bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). P. aeruginosa is commonly found in nature and causes human infection most frequently through water or soil. Infection by the microbe is also highly transmittable in healthcare settings, especially when improper and/or incomplete sanitization is used (3). 

Shown above are two representations of the bacteria P. aeruginosa. A cartoon rendering of the gram-negative rods    with flagella (left) as well as a microscopic image of a live culture (right) are shown.

Although many bacteria have associated antibiotics for treating infections, P. aeruginosa is resistant to every antibiotic it has been tested against. Laboratory work will be devoted to accelerating the creation of a vaccination or drug for treating infections, but this cannot happen quickly, so many infected patients will continue suffering. 

Upon investigation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe an accidental contamination occurred at one of the eye drop manufacturing sites. Accountability for this has not been taken by any company or manufacturing site in particular, but all members involved are making necessary precautions. The CDC, as well as the companies involved, are conducting investigations on the origin of this outbreak to hopefully prevent similar cases in the future.

With the recalling of products, eye drop users around the world are having difficulties in finding new, safe eye drops to use. CDC and other health officials are recommending that patients either continue using their trusted, big-name over the counter eye drops, or even consider not using or buying eye drops at all!

Citations

1. https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/night-vision-eyedrops-allow-vision-of-up-to-50m-in-darkness-10138046.html
2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eye-drop-recall-2023-brands-fda-bacteria-infection-cbs-news-explains/?intcid=CNI-00-10aaa3b
3. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/death-toll-linked-contaminated-eye-drops-rises-3/story?id=98038783
4. https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/pseudomonas.html
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557831/figure/article-27947.image.f1/
6. https://global-pharma.com/

Could Artificial Turf Cause Cancer?

 Artificial turf has been a growing part of many different athletics facilities ever since its first incorporation in the astrodome in 1966.  It has many different advantages such as reducing upkeep costs, recycling waste rubber (ever since the 90's) and withstands harsh weather conditions.  Playing football in the past I can also say that turf fields allow players to "feel" fast playing on it as well.  With this many positive aspects going for artificial turf we have seen a rise in its use, but concerningly the rise of cancer as well.

Artificial turf is primarily made of plastics, sand, and recycled rubber (usually old tires).  From the naked eye, this doesn't seem harmful since all of these materials we use in day to day life.  The real killer in artificial turf is the "black dots" or rubber being exposed to human skin at high temperatures.  These black pellets contains mercury, benzene, and arsenic, all which are extremely toxic and dangerous to humans.  The high temperatures release particles called PAH, which is also very harmful to humans.  Researching the effects of these fields on athletes and cancer, Griffin compiled a list of 230 different soccer athletes that had some form of cancer.  From this list, almost all of them were goalkeepers.  This would make sense since this position is constantly contacting the ground because of diving for the ball. 

Diving more into PAHs, these are varying hydrocarbon ring molecules that only vary in the amount of benzene compounds in each molecule.  For example, Napthalene can be thought of as 2 combined benzenes while chrysene is 4 combined benzenes.  PAHs are toxic to humans in many different ways including the irritation of eyes and air passage ways (in high amounts), blood, and liver problems.  Low amounts of exposure and its effects are currently unknown.  This, however, can be at least partially disproven by Griffins study.  PAHs cause cancer by PAH metabolites binding to DNA, which impacts cell duplication within the body.  It mainly affects fast duplicating cells such as bone marrow, skin, and lung tissue.  This can explain why lymphoma was a primary cancer for this compound.

There has been many conflicting reports, however, if that the level of exposure caused by these black pellets actually cause cancer.  Just because something has carcinogens doesn't outright mean that material causes cancer.  There is a reason why different organizations allow different exposure levels that are considered safe.  A 2013 analysis by risk analysis determined that PAHs in artificial turf were below detection levels.  They considered the exposure "de minimus".  Another 2013 study considered the exposure from athletes inadequate to cause any risk of cancer.  Only workers installing the turf in a poorly ventilated space were considered at risk for exposure.  

The debate to keep these fields open goes on.  On one hand, not knowing if these fields are a risk to public health keeps those wondering whether or not it is worth playing on them.  On the other, closing fields will cause a decrease in accessible spaces for exercise which in turn may increase risk in cancer.  Its really a matter of which "poison" one will take.  Think about the closing of gyms during the pandemic.  Does closing the gym save people from getting the covid virus?  Or will the lack of exercise decrease the quality of health for those individuals which in turn will make them more susceptible to disease?  That is the type of decision many local governments and organizations have to make.

Citations:

Luzer, D. (n.d.). Artificial Turn and Cancer Risk . Academic.oup.com. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/108/12/djw311/2706944

Scott, T. (n.d.). Top 10 benefits of artificial turf. Heavenly Greens. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.heavenlygreens.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-artificial-turf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 2). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) factsheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PAHs_FactSheet.html

"The Brilliant Inventor Who Made Two of Histories Biggest Mistakes"

 

Thomas Midgely, Jr. is the subjecyt of the New York Times March 23, 2023 feature by Steven Johnson with the above title.  Midgely working for General Motors invented leaded gasoline and Freon refrigerants.  Both inventions solved vexing technical problems and made enormous profits for his employer, but both inventions turned out to have enormous harmful side-effects.

Leaded gasoline solved the problem of "engine knock" that made internal combustion engines very difficult to drive and very inefficient.  Midgely discovered that the addition of small amounts of tetraethyl lead to gasoline fuel did away with engine knock.  The resulting "ethyl" gasoline introduced in 1923 made the automobile practical and led to its explosive success in the market.  Unfortunately lead from gasoline contaminated the environment and lead levels in children built up with terrible consequences.  Lead is associated with a number of diseases and is neurotoxic leading to IQ loss and impulsive and violent behavior.  The compound was ultimately banned.  There is evidence that a bulge in the crime rate from about 1970 to about 2010 was caused by lead poisoning.  

Freons provided stable, safe efficient refrigerants that made modern refrigeration and air conditioning possible.  As a result foods could be kept fresh and homes and work-places could be kept habitable during hot weather.  Probably many lives were improved and many lives saved.  Modern life would not be possible without efficient refrigeration.  Unfortunately the very stable refrigerants collected cumulatively in the upper atmosphere and through a photochemically driven cycle began to deplete the protective stratospheric ozone layer.  Without that protective layer much more harmful ultraviolet solar radiation would reach the earth's surface with devastating effects of plant and animal life.

The two mistakes have quite different implications for the future.  Lead was known to be toxic at the time GM introduced leaded gasoline.  There were alternative anti-knock agents available including ethanol.  The problem with ethanol was that it could not be patented.  Lead was the alternative that guaranteed profits for years to come.  On the other hand nothing was known about the ozone layer when Freons were introduced.  They provided important improvements in health and nutrition and really had no known side effects.  Developments of this kind are especially concerning.  The harmful effects only became apparent over a long time period.  We understand our environment and our biology better now than we did then, but it is still possible that a development that appears helpful and otherwise benign could ultimately become a problem.  Caution is certainly appropriate in introducing new developments, but careful observation of possible effects is warranted.  Note that as the problem became evident careful research has provided less harmful alternatives to the Freons.  In addition remarkable international cooperation has been remarkably successful in halting Freon protection and use.

A Safer, Better, & Coral-Friendly Sunscreen Coming Soon (Hopefully)

While visiting the Great Barrier Reef in 2010, Lei Tao, a chemist at Tsinghua University, was inspired to create a coral-friendly sunscreen. During his visit, Tao was impressed by the beautiful coral, and upon learning that sunscreen is one of the causes of coral bleaching he knew that he wanted to do something about it. Tao and his team began formulating different ring-shaped molecules using an existing UV filter (avobenzone) as a reference molecule1.

Figure 1: Chemical Structure of Avobenzone2

The overall goal for making a new sunscreen is to block UV radiation with molecules that are too big to penetrate skin, coral, or algae. At this time, the more common organic UV filters in sunscreens (including avobenzone) have lower molecular weights and can disrupt marine environments. Studies have been conducted on mice and the results look promising: the polymeric UV filter is more effective at preventing sunburn than existing sunscreens. 

From there, Tao and his team were able to utilize chemical reactions that allowed them to link the different ring-shaped molecules together in different combinations. They accomplished the formation of new molecules through free radical polymerization (FRP), which is a polymerizing approach by which successive addition of free radicals takes place to form a polymer unit3.

Figure 2: Example of FRP Mechanism3

The figure below (Figure 3) depicts the chemical structures of three new UV polymer filters created by Tao and his team, in addition to oxybenzone and avobenzone, which are harmful to coral. Out of the three filters Tao’s team formulated, studies showed that P(3) is the most promising, as it was better at UV protection than the conventional sunscreen ingredients. 

Figure 3: Chemical Structures of UV Polymer Filters1

While these filters are an exciting discovery, Tao and his fellow researchers noted that they are not biodegradable, given their backbone structure. The group’s goal is to combine their structures with other compounds to ensure that a “final product” will be fully biodegradable and more environmentally friendly.

1. https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/a-safer-coral-friendly-sunscreen-is-on-the-horizon/4017077.article

2. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Avobenzone

3. https://byjus.com/chemistry/free-radical-polymerization/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20Free%20Radical,cationic%2C%20anionic%20and%20coordination%20polymerization.

Wildfire's are Destroying the Earth's Ozone Layer

 Figure 1: Australian wildfire results in towering clouds of smoke entering the stratosphere

Drought conditions result in low moisture in vegetation. The amount of moisture in vegetation determines how easily it ignites when exposed to heat. With low moisture, the vegetation becomes more flammable because the heat does not have to remove as much water to generate combustion, which is the series of chemical reactions that produce fire. More and more areas across the globe have an increased risk of wildfires as droughts intensify due to climate change. Wildfires naturally deplete the Earth’s ozone layer due to smoke entering the stratosphere. 

Figure 2: Air Composition in the atmosphere 

Clouds of smoke being sent into the Earth’s stratosphere by wildfires eat away at the ozone layer through a potent mix of smoke, atmospheric chemistry, and ultraviolet light. Following the 2020 wildfire in Australia, satellite data revealed that the smoke was reacting to the atmospheric molecules to eat away Earth’s ozone layer. The atmosphere is mainly comprised of nitrogen and oxygen along with a small percentage of other compounds. 

Once the smoker particles enter the stratosphere, they react with stratospheric gases along with emissions of ozone-destroying chemicals. This combined with solar radiation creates chlorine radicals, a type of chemical known for attacking the ozone layer called chlorofluorocarbons. 

 

Figure 2: Chlorofluorocarbon molecule 

This mass reaction in 2020 was responsible for depleting about 3-5% of the ozone layer in parts of the Southern Hemisphere. While this is a small percentage, it rivals the scale of the impact human emissions have on creating chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere. Chlorofluorocarbons were used in refrigerators and air conditioners, but their emissions to the atmosphere led to a large hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica which limits how much of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation reaches the planet’s surface. After the 2020 wildfire in Australia, satellites also caught hydrogen chloride gas, and chlorine nitrate, as well as others. There was a tremendous drop in hydrogen chloride, caused by the breakdown of chlorofluorocarbons which linger in the stratosphere for decades. At low temperatures, hydrogen chloride gas can dissolve into icy clouds, which is essential to starting the chain of reactions that form ozone-depleting chemicals.    

Organic particles in the smoke from wildfires can absorb hydrogen chloride gas even at warmer temperatures, starting that essential step. The smoke particles act as a catalyst, helping speed along other reactions in the atmosphere. The smoke particles speed up the transformation of other chlorine-containing gases, such as chlorine nitrate and hypochlorous acid into chlorine compounds that are highly reactive to sunlight. Mixing the sun’s ultraviolet radiation with new chlorine compounds produces chlorine radicals; molecules that are extremely chemically reactive, and attack ozone molecules. 

The discovery of this wildfire-related process for destroying the ozone is a very worrisome setback to the recovery of the ozone layer. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of wildfires around the globe, sending more smoke clouds into the stratosphere. However, the discovery of the organic particles in the stratosphere can improve our understanding of what controls the production of an ozone hole and the necessary steps that need to be taken to prevent them. 

References 

Gramling, C. (2023, March 9). How wildfires deplete the Earth's ozone layer. Science News. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.sciencenews.org/article/wildfire-ozone-layer-chemical-reaction-smoke

Moore, A. (2022, August 29). Climate change is making wildfires worse - here's how. College of Natural Resources News. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2022/08/climate-change-wildfires-explained/#:~:text=With%20low%20moisture%2C%20vegetation%20becomes,wildfire%20risk%20as%20droughts%20intensify. a 

FDA Recall on Disney Themed Hand Sanitizers

                                    Figure1: The Mandalorian and Mickey Mouse Hand Sanitizers

     These past couple years have made people really cautious of germs. Hand sanitizers have had an increase in sales during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most adults and children are using hand sanitizer on a daily basis.  Disney came out with the Mandalorian and Mickey Mouse hand sanitizers, which are advertised towards children. The FDA recalled these two hand sanitizers due to the presence of benzene in the Mandalorian hand sanitizer and the presence of methanol in the Mickey mouse hand sanitizer. The results from FDA testing were released in February of 2022. Best Brands Inc. imported these two products, but a third party manufactured them. According to the Fox Business article, "both lots were produced in April and May 2020 but were later removed from sale in April 2021due to "unrelated commercial reasons"". Best Brands Inc. did not receive any complaints from the use of the product but advised the public to discard the products. The FDA provided expiration dates of June 30, 2022 for the Mickey Mouse hand sanitizer and September 30, 2022 for the Mandalorian hand sanitizer. 

Figure 2: Benzene molecule

    The Mandalorian themed hand sanitizer contained the molecule benzene. This molecule can be found in people's everyday lives, but substantial exposure can lead to negative affects. The Fox Business article states that "benzene exposure via inhalation, orally, or skin could result in life threatening cancers and/or blood disorders". Specifically leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow. The Mickey Mouse themed hand sanitizer contained methanol. Substantial exposure to methanol can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, coma, seizures, permanent blindness, permanent damage to the central nervous system, or death. Having substantial exposure to either of these chemicals may be life threatening. 

Figure 3: Methanol molecule

    The FDA gave information to allow people to report experiences with the use of these products by online, mail, or phone number. They also gave advice to report a physician or healthcare provider if a person is experiencing any problems that may be similar to the symptoms above while using the products. Even though these products are no longer being sold people should still be cautious and check the lot numbers on the hand sanitizers. In this case, these hand sanitizers are probably given to children, maybe in school backpacks. Then, parents should be aware and check the products lot numbers for them. People should be aware that these chemicals may be used in other personal care products. This may include deodorants and dry shampoo spray for benzene. While for methanol some products may be skin care products and makeup. 

References 

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Best Brand Consumers Products, inc.. issues voluntary recall of Mickey Mouse hand sanitizer ethyl alcohol 68% due to presence of methanol and the mandalorian hand sanitizer ethyl alcohol 68% due to the presence of benzene. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/best-brand-consumers-products-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-mickey-mouse-hand-sanitizer-ethyl-alcohol?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Chi-Sing, H. (2022, April 3). Disney hand sanitizers recalled due to benzene and methanol presence. Fox Business. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/disney-hand-sanitizers-recalled-due-to-benzene-and-methanol-presence

Clean Energy Under our Feet?

Peter Coy writing in the New York Times explores the possibility of extensive natural deposits of hydrogen gas, the ultimate clean fuel.  The possibility of natural hydrogen deposits has long been discussed by scientists.  Mendeleev, the inventor of the periodic table, wrote about it in 1888, but serious exploration for such deposits has not occurred.  Commercial exploration of geological deposits have gasses and liquids have centered on petroleum and natural gas.  Hydrogen would not be expected to be found together with those fossil fuels.  Hydrogen can also be difficult to detect.  That seems to be changing.  

Coy sites a recent article in Science which asks "does Earth hold vast stores of a renewable, carbon-free fuel?" There have been observations of "natural hydrogen" in many places, but it has not led to development.  A big break came in 2012, as noted in the Science article.  A businessman in Mali hired a Canadian firm to analyze the gas flowing from a hole drilled on his property.  It turned out to be 98% hydrogen.  The gas has been put to use running a generator for a nearby village.  Contrary to the usual case for fossil fuels the gas flow has not diminished and continues to provide energy for the community.  This turns out to be expected from the chemistry that produces the hydrogen.  At depths where the temperatures are high and iron (Fe) concentrations are significant and moisture(H2O) is present the following hydrogen (H2) producing chemistry occurs:

Earth's Internal Structure

This chemistry provides a continuous source of hydrogen.  If that hydrogen is trapped in appropriate geological structures it could be tapped to provide a continuous source of clean carbon-free fuel.  

Coy makes it clear that finding and using reserves of "natural" hydrogen is not without challenges.  His report makes good case, however that the possibilities are quite promising.  His report discusses chemistry in an accurate and accessible way.  He treats the science optimistically but realistically.  Overall the report gives a good sense of an exciting scientific development with possible far-reaching ramifications.  

Judge Rules in Favor of Pharmaceutical Companies in Opioid Case

 

Recently, a judge in Georgia ruled in favor of pharmaceutical companies in a lawsuit regarding the opioid crisis.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/health/opioid-victims-trial-georgia.html

                                                      Image taken from arstechnica.com

     Opioids are substances that interact with opioid receptors in nerve cells, resulting in signals that are transmitted to the brain. These signals result in pain reduction but can also cause euphoria. As a result, opioids are often used recreationally. Continued use of opioids can lead to psychological and physical dependence, and stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms. An overdose of opioids can lead to respiratory depression and death.

     There are several types of opioids.  Endogenous opioids participate in cellular signaling. Natural opioids such as morphine are derived from plants and are commonly used as a pain reliver. Within the last century, pharmaceutical companies have been exploiting the pain-relieving effects of opioids and have developed numerous synthetic opioids, which are usually more potent than their natural counterparts.

                                  Structure of fentanyl, a common synthetic opioid. Image taken from PubChem.

     In the past few decades, recreational opioid use in the United States has increased dramatically. An increase in overdoses and deaths has corresponded with the prevalence of opioid abuse as well as the higher potency of opioid substances. Many people have accused pharmaceutical companies of fueling this “opioid crisis” through irresponsible advertising of pain medication. It has been argued that pharmaceutical companies were not open about the side effects and risks of the medications, which ultimately resulted in the over-prescription of these medications and unnecessary opioid dependence. Pharmaceutical companies have been subjected to numerous lawsuits over the past few decades and have been found to be responsible for contributing to the opioid crisis through irresponsible advertising. However, a recent lawsuit in Georgia found that several pharmaceutical companies were not liable for damage caused by the opioid epidemic.  

     Despite the topic being discussed, this article did not seem to paint pharmaceutical companies or chemists in a negative light. The author suggests several times that the opioid epidemic is a complex issue, and the entirety of the blame should not lie on the pharmaceutical companies. The article also describes how individual pharmacies and physicians were responsible for the over-prescription of opioids and states that pharmaceutical companies did not have the ability to monitor how their drugs are being described. The author highlights how quickly the jury reached a decision, perhaps suggesting it should be obvious that pharmaceutical companies should not be held responsible for the consequences of the opioid epidemic.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 1). Understanding the opioid overdose epidemic. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/epidemic.html

Hoffman, J. (2023, March 2). Opioid distributors cleared of liability to Georgia families ravaged by addiction. The New York Times. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/health/opioid-victims-trial-georgia.html

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3345, Fentanyl. Retrieved March 9, 2023 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fentanyl.

 

 

 

What's Going on with Alzheimer's Research

 Research on Alzheimer's disease has proved enormously difficult.  The condition condemns many aging people to a life without memories and without the ability to relate to loved ones of to function independently.  One line of research has revolved around a particular class of proteins referred to as amyloid beta proteins thought to be involved in the disease.  Jackie Flynn Mogenson reports in Mother Jones on an investigation suggesting that key papers on the amyloid beta hypothesis include data that may have been tampered with.  It appears that figures in the paper have been subtly manipulated.  The figures are digital reproductions of what are called Western Blots which have blots whose position and intensity indicates the identity and abundance of particular proteins in a sample.  An example is shown below:

Western Blot

This may have done for cosmetic reasons.  The authors claim that it does not change the research conclusions, but that the paper should be withdrawn anyway to remove doubts about the basic reliability of the research.  There is now a large body of research referring to the papers in question suggesting that viability of the beta amyloid hypothesis but Alzheimer's research is still evolving and the issues are manifold and complicated.  The difficulty caused by this revelation, however, is evidenced by the fact that at least one popular commentator (Tucker Carlson) has cited the report as evidence that the whole scientific enterprise is corrupt and unreliable.  His arguments are simplistic and specious, but that will not be evident to many who hear him.

From Protection to Recall: The Risks of Contaminated Sunscreen

Figure 1: Recalled product of sunscreen, manufactured by Banana Boat, for containing benzene.

    Beach lovers will have to check twice before applying their average sunscreen. Two major news outlets have reported on the recall of Banana Boat sunscreen products due to concerns about the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen. The recall was first announced in late January, but has since been expanded to include more products and additional lot numbers. "While benzene is not an ingredient in any Banana Boat products, the review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can," the company said in their announcement. Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid that is widely used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and rubber. It is also used as a solvent for many chemicals and as a component in gasoline. However, exposure to high levels of benzene can lead to cancer and other serious health problems.

    According to the Fox Business article, the original recall included four Banana Boat sunscreen sprays: Ultra Sport, Sport, and Kids SPF 50, as well as Mineral SPF 30. The products were pulled from shelves and consumers were advised to stop using them immediately. However, on February 16th, the recall was expanded to include additional products, including Ultra Defense SPF 30, Ultra Defense SPF 50, and Protective Dry Oil SPF 15, as well as additional lot numbers for the previously recalled products. Once more, benzene was not an ingredient in any of the products, but rather was detected during routine testing.

Figure 2: Chemical structure of benzene (C6H6).

    The Insider article provides more detail about the potential health risks associated with benzene exposure. It can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Also, it can damage the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells. If those are not severe enough it carries a high risk of cancer, specifically leukemia. It is often found in industrial settings, but can also be present in consumer products such as sunscreen. The levels of benzene found in the Banana Boat products are relatively low, but are still above the acceptable limit set by the FDA. Additionally, this article provides guidelines for consumers who may have come in contact with benzene, including seeking medical attention if they experience any symptoms or concerns.

    Not only are humans exposed to benzene in both indoor and outdoor air, tobacco smoke, and gasoline; but this case of benzene found in personal care products has been familiar around multiple industries. In particular, it has been found in various sunscreens, spray deodorants, antiperspirants, and dry shampoos. Valisure, a pharmaceutical testing company, urged the FDA to recall 40 batches of sunscreen containing benzene in 2021, and also found trace amounts of benzene across 10 different brands, including Neutrogena, Banana Boat, and CVS Health. Additionally, Valisure led an independent investigation of popular dry shampoos and found that 11 brands contained levels of benzene that exceeded the FDA-recommended limit. Procter & Gamble also recalled 18 Old Spice and Secret sprays and 32 dry shampoos and conditioners after trace amounts of benzene were detected. Overall, while the health hazards connected with benzene exposure are relatively low in this situation, consumers are urged to be cautious and check their sunscreen products for the recalled lot numbers. 

References:

Benzene. Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2023, February 12). Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/benzene.htm#:~:text=Benzene%20is%20a%20widely%20used,%2C%20detergents%2C%20drugs%20and%20pesticides.

Genovese, D. (2023, January 31). Banana boat sunscreen recall expanded over benzene concerns. Fox Business. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/banana-boat-sunscreen-recall-expanded-over-benzene-concerns

Michelson, A. (2023, February 6). Banana Boat has recalled another batch of spray sunscreen containing a cancer-causing chemical. Insider. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.insider.com/benzene-banana-boat-recalls-spray-sunscreen-traces-carcinogen-2023-2

Two Chemical Companies Sued due to Chemical Emission in 'Cancer Alley'

 The Guardian posted the article “US justice department sues two companies over pollution in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’”. Cancer alley is a stretch of land between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana. There are a quarter of the total petrochemical production in the US, several pipelines, oil refineries and other gas/oil operations that add to the toxicity in cancer alley. The main chemical issue is at the Pontchartrain Works facility in Reserve, Louisiana. The site is being sued due to violating the clean air act and presenting an imminent danger to public health and welfare. The environmental protection agency (EPA) is seeking a court order to force Deneka, who currently owns the facility, to take immediate action to prevent chemical emissions. The chemical causing the health risk is chloroprene, which was established as a human carcinogen in 2010. Chloroprene is emitted from the synthetic rubber neoprene which is produced at the facility. EPA air monitoring has shown that the air contains significantly more than the recommended lifetime exposure of 0.2ug/m3. 

Figure 1: Chloroprene chemical structure (adapted from NIH)

The residents in cancer alley have attempted to raise awareness to the health risks they have been facing for 6 years. The population in the area  surrounding cancer alley is predominantly black, which the community stated their minority status has prevented earlier change. St Johns Baptist's parish is a home for many in the community, they have persistently been fighting for change to reduce their health risk. There is also an elementary school only half a mile away from the plant, the children that attend have a higher risk for health effects from chloroprene than the average adult. The current chloroprene emissions present a significant risk for developing cancer to children under 16 years. 

The Pontchartrain Works facility was first opened by DuPont in 1968. Dupont is the second company listed in the lawsuit. It is suspected that DuPont recognized the risk of the chloroprene emissions after it was established as a human carcinogen in 2010, leading them to sell the plant.  A deal was made to sell the plant to Denaka in 2015. Although the plant is now owned by Deneka, DuPont still owns the land the plant is located on and their approval is needed to reduce emissions. Since Deneka took over the plant, they have reduced the chloroprene emission by ~80%. A statement was released by Deneka saying  “DPE is in compliance with its air permits and applicable law. EPA is taking an unprecedented step – deviating from its permitting and rulemaking authorities – to allege an ‘emergency’ based on outdated and erroneous science the agency released over 12 years ago,”.  However, Deeneka may fail to realize that this lawsuit was constructed from multiple years of air monitoring data. 

Thousands of people are breathing in the chloroprene emissions daily, leading to a significant higher cancer risk than typically allowed. The residents in cancer alleys being exposed have a much greater risk of developing cancer when compared to the majority of the USA. The EPA and the community hopes that this lawsuit will enforce change to decrease the chloroprene emission in cancer alley. 

References:

Chloroprene. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Chloroprene (accessed Mar 2,  2023).

Laughland, O. US Justice department sues two companies over pollution in Louisianans ‘Cancer Alley.’ https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/28/us-justice-department-lawsuit-cancer-alley-louisiana-dupont-denka (accessed Mar 2,  2023).