Benzene
Benzene is a carcinogenic chemical used in industrial production of some plastics and released into the air from automobiles and burning coal and oil. Sometimes referred to as the “yoga mat compound,” benzene made its way into some soft drinks and other mass-produced beverages that contain both benzoate salts and ascorbic acid or erythorbic acid.
High heat exposure causes formation of the chemical, revealed in 2005 when studies on soft drinks discovered the carcinogen in many products. The FDA claims to be working closely with the beverage industry to eradicate the chemical for good.
