From aloe vera to gasoline and even pickled Asian vegetables, the World Health Organization (WHO) has re-classified ten other substances as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ following their classification of aspartame. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener found in various products such as diet soft drinks, chewing gum, and yoghurts, is now considered to pose a 2B cancer risk. This means there is limited evidence, but not enough to be completely convincing. However, the WHO also states that at current consumption levels, aspartame does not pose a cancer risk. Only those who consume excessive quantities may face a heightened risk. The IARC has given nearly 100 other products the same 2B classification, including sunscreen, foods, and certain occupations.
One of the substances categorized as 2B is aloe vera, which has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries and is commonly used in skincare, medicines, and dietary supplements. Despite being recommended by the NHS for sunburn relief, aloe vera has been found to pose a 2B risk of bowel cancer based on a two-year study in rats. Another substance in the same category is bracken fern, a plant native to Britain that is commonly found in woodlands and raises the risk of intestinal and bladder cancers according to animal studies.
Other substances in the 2B category include gasoline, certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), and progesterone-only contraceptives. Traditional pickled Asian vegetables have also been linked to stomach and esophageal cancers. Additionally, a study has suggested that progesterone-only contraceptives slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. The use of talc-based body powder in the perineal area has been linked to ovarian cancer, further supporting the limited evidence of a potential cancer risk. Certain occupations such as dry cleaning, textiles, and printing industries are also associated with the 2B risk due to exposure to chemicals.
The IARC classifies substances into four groups based on their carcinogenic risk to humans. Group 1 includes substances with sufficient evidence for cancer in humans, such as smoking and alcohol. Group 2A includes substances with limited evidence in humans but sufficient evidence in animal studies, such as frying emissions and night-shift work. Group 2B contains substances with limited evidence in humans and less than sufficient evidence in animals. Group 3 includes substances with inadequate evidence in humans and animal studies, such as coffee and paracetamol.
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and is found in a wide range of “diet” or “sugar-free” products. It is used to reduce the overall calorie content of these products and is often used as an alternative sweetener for diabetics due to its lack of effect on blood sugar levels. However, aspartame has been associated with various health concerns, including headaches, dizziness, and stomach upsets. Blind trials have not been able to replicate these effects, and health and food regulators have deemed it safe following rigorous safety assessments. It is important to note that individuals with the rare inherited condition phenylketonuria cannot consume aspartame, as it contains phenylalanine which can be harmful to their organs.
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