‘Deadly Cancer-Causing Chemical Found in Popular CVS, Walmart and Walgreens’ Products Bought by Millions of Americans

A DANGEROUS chemical that has been banned in several countries can still be found in dozens of products used by millions of Americans every day.

The health warning comes after several brands of generic painkiller Mucinex were tested for unsafe levels of a potential carcinogen called benzene.

3

3

Benzene is known to lead to the development of blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, but it is still used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber and several other chemicals.

It has also been used to produce medicinal elements – an ingredient called a carbomer, in this case – that help medicines become sustained-release agents.

Several countries have phased out the use of benzene in products people consume due to its link to cancer.

Benzene is highly regulated by the European Chemicals Agency, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet enacted strict limitations on safe levels of the carcinogen in American products.

The Mucinex brand versions of the drug, sold by British pharmaceutical giant Reckitt Benckiser Group, are made with a carbomer that does not include benzene, according to a report.

Because switching to a benzene-free carbomer costs more, several companies have not yet made the switch — including the largest U.S. retailers, according to one report.

But generic versions of Mucinex with the carcinogen benzene are still sold at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens and dozens of other national chains across the country, according to analysis by Bloomberg News.

A KNOWN CARCINOGEN

The FDA began investigating the dangers of benzene and announced last year that it would begin phasing out pharmaceutical use of the chemical by 2025.

After resistance from the pharmaceutical industry, the elimination deadline was extended until 2026.

“The FDA is continually working to ensure that all medicines meet the highest quality standards, with the health and well-being of Americans as a priority,” said Amanda Hils, a spokeswoman for the agency.

All of these retailers source the contaminated carbomer from a single manufacturer in New Jersey: Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc., according to Bloomberg.

Benzene can be found in several popular medications and household products besides Mucinex, including Walgreens’ version of the oral pain reliever Anbesol, Walmart’s Equate brand facial moisturizer with sunscreen, and Rite Aid’s generic Bengay muscle massage product.

American regulators have allowed drugmakers to continue using benzene for decades, although international authorities have been against it.

CVS revealed it would work with its supplier to replace the ingredient.

Walgreens said it works with its suppliers to follow FDA regulations.

Retailers are responsible for private label medications, while responsibility for private label generics rests with the manufacturer.

Changing ingredients is “very expensive and time-consuming,” said Vivek Dave, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at St. John Fisher University in New York.

The product would have to be retested and approved by the FDA, he added.

“There is no scientific or therapeutic reason to use a carbomer made with benzene,” said Jeff Keyser, inventor of Mucinex and now CEO of pharmaceutical startup Renibus Therapeutics.

“There are other things they can use.”

Benzene has also been found in artificial colors and sweeteners in snacks eaten every day, including Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, Skittles, Nerds, M&M’s and Doritos, according to The New York Post Office.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The US Sun.

The US Sun has reached out to CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Target for comment.

TAKE IT OFF THE SHELVES

Meanwhile, CVS pulled a nasal decongestant from its shelves this year after an FDA advisory committee found it to be ineffective.

The decongestants contained the oral formulation of phenylephrine, which can be found in many over-the-counter medications.

The FDA’s Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee voted unanimously in September 2023 that phenylephrine did not improve nasal congestion more than a placebo dosage.

CVS removed products containing the ingredient from its shelves, despite the FDA never determining whether it was an unsafe and ineffective drug.

“We are aware of the FDA Advisory Committee’s position on oral phenylephrine (PE) and will follow FDA guidance to ensure the products we sell comply with all laws and regulations,” CVS Health said in a statement.

“We are removing certain oral cough and cold products that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from CVS Pharmacy stores.

“Other oral cough and cold products will continue to be offered to meet consumer needs.”

Concerns were first raised about phenylephrine in 2007, when experts believe the body processes the drug before it reaches the nasal passage, where it is supposed to help.

Walgreens revealed its action plan to combat products containing phenylephrine.

“Walgreens follows FDA regulations, we are closely monitoring the situation and actively partnering with the Walgreens Office of Clinical Integrity and suppliers on appropriate next steps,” a Walgreens spokesperson told ABC News.