During the pandemic, we've relied on hand sanitizers to help keep us safe. But a recent study found several brands contained levels of the carcinogen Benzene, a toxic chemical known to cause cancer.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) define benzene as a carcinogen, and lists "inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact" if exposed.
Valisure tested and analyzed 260 bottles of hand sanitizer from 168 brands, and 17 percent of the samples contained levels of benzene that were detectable. The samples were collected from stores nearby the company’s headquarters, and a number of online stores.
The National Institutes of Health's genome research arm states a "carcinogen is a specific chemical or physical agent that has the ability to cause cancer."
The brands that contained the highest levels of benzene were Best Brands Consumer Products Inc, Scentsational Soaps & Candles Inc., huangjisoo, TrueWash, the Creem Shop, artnaturals, “Star Wars Mandalorian,” Born Basic, beauty concepts, and PureLogic among others.
Take a look at the full report below.