PAHs, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

An article by admin    1 Comment

Perhaps the most common example of PAH or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is petroleum jelly or Vaseline.  Vaseline was discovered during the late 1850’s and has since been marketed to the public for an array of uses.  Most of us use petroleum jelly for chapped lips, dry skin, as a make up remover and moisturizer.
Products containing PAH are baby lotion, lipstick, oil and petroleum jelly.

A study conducted by the Columbia University show that women breast tissues that were already cancerous had 2.6 more PAH levels than breast tissues of women who do not have cancer.

Vaseline is not cancerous per se.  It is the petrolatum present in the PAH that causes cancer.  Studies also show that they way a product is manufactured may cause petroleum jelly mixtures that contain possible human carcinogens.

The European Union has banned PAH in cosmetics since 2004.  The EU has called for cosmetic companies to remove PAH impurities from cosmetic products before they are manufactured for public consumption.

However, in the United States, no such regulation exists.  There may be some manufacturers which opt for petrolatum with lower PHAs but as we cannot be sure, it is better to be on the safe side.

If unsure, you can look for products which have been certified as organic or natural.  Manufacturers are now answering the call of the public to produce more products which promote health and environment issues so be sure to buy one which has been deemed safe for human consumption.

.