BHA

Definition

BHA is used primarily as an antioxidant and preservative in food, food packaging, animal feed, and cosmetics, and in rubber and petroleum products

Also Known As

Butylated Hydroxyanisole

Health Impact

BHA is listed as a known carcinogen under California's Proposition 65, and the international cancer agency categorizes it as a possible human carcinogen. These designations are based on consistent evidence that BHA causes tumors in animals. The European Union classifies BHA as an endocrine disruptor because at higher doses, it can lower testosterone and affect thyroid hormones.

Sources

• Butylated Hydroxyanisole

  RoC Profile

• Chemical Cuisine

  Center for Science in the Public Interest

• [Toxicology of the synthetic antioxidants BHA and BHT in comparison with the natural antioxidant vitamin E]

  Pub Med