Page 186 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE AND BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

aswell.Theseproductsincludeparaffinwax,lipstick,eyeshadow,
lip-gloss, mascara, body and face lotions, diaper rash ointment,
deodorant soaps, moisturizers, and shaving gels and creams.
The antioxidant properties of BHA and BHT make them
suitable for other applications also. For example, they are
sometimes added to paints and inks to prevent a ‘‘skin’’ from
forming on top of these liquids. The skin is formed when the
paint or ink reacts with oxygen in air to form a solid com-
pound. The compounds are also used as additives for the
preservation of drugs, rubber products, petroleum products,
the plastics used in food wraps, and the petroleum wax coat-
ings used on food boxes.
Questions have been raised about the possible health
benefits and risks posed by BHA and BHT. On the one hand,
these compounds may contribute to good health by destroy-
ing substances in the body that can lead to cancer. They may
also destroy the herpes virus and the human immunodefi-
ciency virus (HIV). Most nutritionists agree that antioxi-
dants can be helpful in protecting cells and tissues from
aging and damage by oxygen.
On the other hand, BHA and BHT may also be responsible
for certain health problems. For example, some people appear
to be allergic to these compounds, causing skin rashes, hives,
or tightness in the chest, although such reactions are
thought to be rare. Other people may have problems metabo-
lizing BHA and BHT properly, resulting in a build-up of the
compounds in their bodies.
Scientists are uncertain about the possible long-term
health effects of BHA and BHT. Some studies suggest that
these compounds may affect liver or kidney function or may
be carcinogenic. Studies on this subject are inconclusive,
however, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has
decided that the two compounds can be used as food addi-
tives if the amount added is less than 0.02 percent by weight.
As with all chemicals, direct exposure to large doses
of BHA or BHT can cause serious health problems. In one
experiment, for example, adults who ingested four grams
(0.14 ounce) of BHA experienced stomach pain, vomiting,
dizziness, confusion, and temporary loss of consciousness.
That amount of BHA is tens or hundreds of thousands of times
the amount one would consume in foods or other products,
however. Only people who work directly with the compound
would ever worry about an effect such as this one.

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS 135