Benzene Found in Generic Cold and Allergy Medicine, Raising Health Concerns
- CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, and Target's Mucinex products have been found to contain the cancer-causing chemical benzene.
- Benzene, commonly used in various everyday products, has been linked to diseases like leukemia and lymphoma.
- Consumers should be cautious when using these cold medicines due to the presence of benzene.
A recent report has revealed that the generic version of Mucinex, sold under various store brands at major retailers like CVS, Walmart, Target, and Walgreens, contains benzene, a chemical linked to serious health risks including leukemia and lymphoma. The analysis conducted by Bloomberg News indicates that the carbomer used in these products, sourced from Amneal Pharmaceuticals, is the source of the contamination. In response to the findings, CVS has stated that their store brand products are designed to meet safety and quality standards. A spokesperson emphasized that suppliers are required to certify that their products do not contain benzene. CVS is reportedly working with Amneal to replace the problematic carbomer in its mucus relief medicine. Similar concerns have been raised regarding other products, including Walgreens’ Anbesol and Walmart’s Equate brand face moisturizer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously aimed to phase out benzene in pharmaceutical products by 2025, but industry pushback has led to an extension of this deadline to 2026. This has prompted consumer backlash, resulting in a class-action lawsuit against the companies involved. The issue of benzene contamination is not limited to cold medications; it has also affected popular consumer products, including sunscreen and dry shampoos, leading to multiple recalls. As consumers become increasingly aware of the potential dangers associated with benzene, the scrutiny on product safety and regulatory compliance is likely to intensify.