Benzine, a carcinogen that can cause cancer in humans can form in beverages containing

benzoyate preservatives in certain acids.

For example, fanta, soda.

Interesting that Coca-Cola chose to disclose that the artificial colors it uses can cause

ADHD symptoms rather than just not using them.

Anyway, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was informed by the soda industry about the

hazard back in 1990, yet 15 years later was still fine to get in some soft drinks.

This prompted a national survey of nearly 200 beverages for the presence of benzene,

soda and other beverages.

The maximum contaminant level of benzene, considered safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, is zero in water supplies, though that's not always possible

to reach since benzene spews from cigarettes, car exhaust, and fireplaces.

So the European Union allows one part per billion, and the United States ended up allowing

five parts per billion since it would be too costly to push for less cancer.

California holds the line at one part per billion,

but its goal for public health is 0.15 parts per billion

based on cancer risk from leukemia,

because the lifetime exposure to one part per billion

could cost seven additional people per million to get cancer,

who otherwise wouldn't.

Okay, so how did the beverages do?

Of the 199 beverages tested, 37% had no detectable benzene, and another third had less

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