Can your deodorant really cause cancer? New research says the answer is yes. CNN recently announced a recall of several major deodorant brands, including Old Spice and Secret, that were found to have benzene in their spray deodorant products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization, “Benzene is a well-established cause of cancer in humans.”
What is Benzene?
“Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable,” writings the CDC. The benzene molecule ,C6H6, is produced from carbon or petroleum, and is often used to create plastics, gasoline, and drugs. It is also used to create napalm. What??
Benzene is so toxic to the body that the CDC recommends to “Quickly take off clothing that may have benzene on it. Any clothing that has to be pulled over the head should be cut off the body instead of pulled over the head.” Sounds like a chemical emergency if you ask us.
What makes benzene so alarming? The CDC tells us that “the major effect of benzene from long-term exposure is on the blood. (Long-term exposure means exposure of a year or more.) Benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.” According to the WHO, “Benzene is a well-established cause of cancer in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified benzene as carcinogenic to humans. [It] causes acute myeloid leukemia (acute non-lymphocytic leukemia), and there is limited evidence that benzene may also cause acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma.” Yikes. Clearly, this chemical packs a nasty punch.
Deodorant Problems
So back to your armpits and benzene. Armpits are a particularly sensitive area of the body because they sit close to lymph nodes. We’re going to give you the benefit of the doubt here and assume that like many adults, you have likely been applying deodorant to your armpits for years. As the CDC noted, long-term benzene exposure is considered one year or more. The average 30 year old has perhaps 15 years of deodorant application under their pits, meaning year after year of benzene in your body if you’ve been using one of these offenders.
The Pit Liquor Difference
[Cue the superhero music.] Pit Liquor natural deodorant is made from organic and non-toxic ingredients so safe, you could actually eat them. We take your health seriously, and prioritize ingredients that are super-effective and super-good for your body. Ingredients like over-proof whiskey and vodka that kill the bacteria in your pits, ending the party before it can even start. And a blend of teas, arrowroot powder, and sea salt keep the freshness going for up to 48 hours. A finishing touch of essential oils and herbs adds scent without any chemical fragrance.
If you’ve read this far, you’re likely ready to try chemical-free products or already on the natural deodorant bandwagon. We bet you know a few people who still need to make the switch to benzene-free products too. We’re here to help you and your friends ditch the chemicals and switch to the best natural deodorant on the market, dare we say in the world. Share this article with that friend and you can both use code NOBENZENE15 for 15% off your purchase.
Sources:
"Antiperspirant recall: What the finding of a cancer-causing chemical means for you," CNN, December 1, 2021, accessed December 8, 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/01/health/deodorants-antiperspirants-recall-benzene-explainer-wellness/index.html
"Exposure to Benzene: A Major Health Concern," World Health Organization: Preventing Disease Through Healthy Environments, accessed December 8, 2021, https://www.who.int/ipcs/features/benzene.pdf
"Facts About Benzene," Centers for Disease Control: Emergency Preparedness and Response, accessed December 8, 2021, https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp
"The Benzene Molecule," World of Molecules, accessed December 8, 2021, https://www.worldofmolecules.com/solvents/benzene.htm