Petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, extracted from petroleum, is often used in personal care products as a moisturizer. After proper refining, oil has no known health problems.
However, in the United States, petroleum oil is usually not completely refined, which means that it may be contaminated by toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
What is petrolatum?
Oil is a by-product of petroleum refining. The melting point of petrolatum is close to the body temperature. After application, it will soften and form a waterproof film around the application area, forming an effective barrier to prevent the evaporation of natural skin moisture and foreign particles or microorganisms that may cause infection. petrolatum is tasteless and colorless, and it is born with a long shelf life. These characteristics make petrolatum a popular ingredient in skin care products and cosmetics.
After proper refining, oil has no known health problems. However, due to incomplete refining history, petroleum oil may be contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are by-products of the combustion of organic substances. Due to their lipophilicity, they are usually exposed to fat. The correct refinement cannot be confirmed unless a complete refinement history is provided.
health problem
Cancer. People are most worried about the possible pollution of petroleum by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. According to the National Toxicology Program (NTP), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of carcinogens containing reasonable expectations; The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as possible or possible carcinogens, and one polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is a known carcinogen. A study in long island, new york, found that women with high levels of pahs dna adducts had a 50% higher risk of breast cancer. The formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) dna adducts is an indicator of PAHs exposure and is related to the development of cancer.
disadvantaged
Infants and children, men, pregnant women, teenagers, women of color, workers
Regulations
The European Union stipulates that for the use of cosmetics, it is necessary to know the complete refining history of petroleum oil and prove that it is not carcinogenic. The United States has no requirements for the refining and PAHs content of petroleum oil used in personal care products.
How to avoid it?
Avoid products containing petroleum jelly, unless the company (on the label or company website) clearly indicates that petroleum jelly is completely refined to white petroleum jelly.
