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Ethylparaben is a food additive whose safety and toxicology is still an unresolved issue. Some believe that the preservative causes cancer and completely refuse to use it. Others defend ethylparaben and argue that minimal doses of the substance cannot harm living organisms. Whose side is the truth on, what do you need to know about ethylparaben and is it safe to use?
General characteristics
Parabens are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. They are used as a preservative not only in the food industry, but in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals. Substances have an antiseptic effect, and also block the development of the fungus. The popularity of this group of preservatives is justified by low cost and high performance. Mankind has been using parabens for a long time, because similar herbal supplements do not cope with the tasks.
The global community is still debating the safety of parabens. They are found in high concentrations in breast cancer, but the relationship between synthetic substances and oncology remains polemical.
All parabens that are used in industry are of synthetic origin. They are obtained by the reaction of the formation of esters and alcohol. The most famous parabens: ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216), sodium salt of parabens (E217), methylparaben (E218). Let us dwell in more detail on the additive E214.
What you need to know about the preservative
Ethylparaben belongs to the category of esters. The substance is a white crystalline powder. It has a specific bright taste and aroma. As soon as E214 comes into contact with the mucous membrane, it immediately has an anesthetic effect. A person feels a slight numbness of the tongue and part of the oral cavity, but the body quickly returns to normal.
Despite the antibacterial properties, a preservative is rarely used in the food industry. First, it affects the taste and aroma of the finished product, which is a danger to sales. Secondly, the exact effect of E214 on the body has not yet been determined. In the worst case, the preservative will work as a strong allergen and trigger internal pathological processes; at best, it will remain unnoticed and safe.
Most often, ethylparaben can be found in soups, noodles, and instant confectionery. The substance is added to extend the shelf life of the product and neutralize the development of bacteria. Carefully read the composition or completely abandon the products of industrial production – they will not bring either nutrients, or saturation, or minimal benefit.
Most often, a preservative is added to perfumery, pharmaceutical or cosmetic products. There, the additive acts as an antibacterial component. In most EU countries, the permissible dose of E214 in cosmetics / tablets / perfumes has been established – no more than 0,4%. In Australia and France, ethyl paraben is completely banned at the legislative level.
There is an opinion that the substance has a carcinogenic effect on the human body and can provoke cancer, but is it really so?
Features of toxicology
Scientists conducted experiments on laboratory rodents to track the acute and chronic effects of ethylparaben consumption. It turned out that the substance is practically non-toxic. Parabens are quickly absorbed, metabolized and safely excreted from a living organism.
Skin allergic reactions
In people who do not experience skin problems, the preservative does not cause irritation, specific skin reactions or hypersensitivity. The pathogenic effect of E214 can be traced in people with damaged skin (hypersensitive, too dry, dehydrated after therapy), chronic dermatitis and ulcers. But it should be noted that such a reaction occurs in less than 4% of cases.
Allergy to parabens in the form of contact dermatitis, rosacea and irritation is extremely rare. Moreover, the number of paraben-free cosmetics is rapidly growing in the cosmetic market, which has a positive effect on the situation.
Ethylparaben and breast cancer
Several peer-reviewed studies have found an indirectly-confirmed link between the preservative and the development of breast cancer. A high concentration of parabens was found in cancerous tumors. Similar results were obtained in 18 cases of breast cancer out of 20. Prior to this study, it was known that parabens can mimic estrogens (female hormones that also play a specific role in the development of cancer). Scientists noticed the relationship and began to work on the evidence base.
The source of parabens, which are concentrated in the tumor, are body sprays or deodorants. This was reported by molecular biologist Philippa Darbre. Based on the study, it is impossible to say whether ethylparaben actually caused cancer, so the global community continues to study the relationship.
The question of the safety of the preservative is still open, and its use has become a personal choice for each person. Do not risk your own health and carefully read the ingredients. Try to buy only organic, unprocessed foods and natural cosmetics that won’t harm you. Be careful and healthy.