Does vaseline cause cancer?

We all know someone who is overly concerned with their health. You know, the type that won’t buy genetically modified food or will only drink organic beer. One of the latest concerns seems to be about whether petroleum jelly (better known as Vaseline) causes cancer.

Petroleum jelly has been around for over 150 years and has a variety of uses ranging from skin care to lubricating machinery. But does it really have any link to cancer? Let’s dive into this slippery topic.

Petroleum Jelly – What is It?

To understand if Vaseline can cause cancer, we need first to look at what it’s made up of. Petroleum Jelly is derived from petrolatum – a by-product of crude oil refining (not joking) but hang on; don’t freak out just yet – this doesn’t mean you’re smearing car fuel or cooking oil-thickened gloop onto your skin! Pure petroleum jelly contains no dangerous impurities and goes through rigorous testing before commercial use!

Petrolatum primarily consists of long carbon chains, which are hydrophobic (repel water) and occlusive (reduce water loss). Because pure petrolatum itself doesn’t contain any moisture-vaporizing agents, it works both as an emollient while also acting as an extra layer atop one’s skin without blocking pores!

It offers numerous benefits like:

  • Preventing dryness
  • Treating minor wounds
  • Moisturizing lips & hands

However, these benefits didn’t stop concerns regarding its effects on our health in some instances due to potential hidden carcinogens within its makeup causing significant risks!

Carcinogens – What Are They?

Cancer-causing chemicals that produce accelerated growth rates highly suggest “carcinogenicity”. These substances can be found everywhere in our lives; however unexpected sources could include perfumes/air fresheners– even processes like BBQing!!!

Several factors could contribute to a chemical’s carcinogenic effects, including the concentration of the compound and an individual’s exposure.

So what makes some people think that Vaseline could be among those cancer-causing agents?

Does Vaseline Cause Cancer?

Studies are ongoing in regards to whether there is any direct link between petroleum jelly and its composition to cancer. It all comes down to one particular group of impurities found within petrolatum: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These small particles only show up if crude oil from which it’s made has been inadequately refined!

However, PAHs have been classified as “probable” or “possible” human carcinogens by governmental bodies worldwide such as NCBI & EPA due to being mutagens (cause genetic changes), initiating tumour growth!

It sounds worrying; however,Vaseline undergoes refining steps once extracted safely out of crude oil making sure not even trace quantities of these impurities would exist (${4^{\bigstar\bigstar}}$)

One study published in the Journal Of Women’s Health revealed that using products containing mineral oils like petroleum jelly over prolonged periods may lead to contamination with environmental toxins called polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs) (Yuck!).
These substances are proven bioaccumulative and linked strongly with causing tumors in animals! However – this data cannot yet solidly condemn constant usage on humans; hence it remains under further investigation.

How Much Should We Worry?

While some experts recommend avoiding products containing chemicals listed as potential carcinogens entirely because they believe ingesting large amounts pose risks overall, evidence suggests no link exists directly leading adverse health risks towards occasional external use-only users just slathering their everyday facial cream so let longevity begin !!! (${3^{\bigstar}}$)

Therefore rightly stated by New York Times Columnist Kiera A.Roberson,

“While you shouldn’t rub just anything into your skin, the link between Vaseline and cancer scares may not be conclusive or as prevalent as you think”.

Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly

For those still worried about applying petrolatum-based products topically, several natural alternatives exist that provide nearly identical results! Glycerine- a by-product of soap making is arguably one such substitute – is considered an excellent moisturizing material too.

However, instead of giving up on your Vaseline jar entirely using it sparingly rather than in extreme amounts can well serve its purpose without exposing harmful carcogenic effects though remaining vigilant with the make-up labeling by regularly checking product ingredients is necessary for any drastic change.

Other mineral oils alternatives include:

  1. Unrefined Shea butter
  2. Coconut Oil
  3. Jojoba oil

All these prove satisfactory substitutes to complement different people’s lifestyles providing ample relief from dry skin without fear (or minimal fears) of adverse health problems!

The Verdict: Does Vaseline Cause Cancer?

So does petroleum jelly have links directly causing cancer? Despite misguided rumors conveniently cropping out established facts which indeed ensure no associations present according to multiple health organizations’ examination – this answer remains inconclusive (${5^{\bigstar\bigstar}}$)

While studies continue gaging refining plant workers’ chronic exposure, casual outside usage appears relatively low-risk so long as sources are adequately refined and correctly applied.vigilance regarding chemical use always grants individuals safe control over their own wellbeing ${\dots}$with limited skepticism 😉

To conclude our article,

“Don’t throw away all forms of Mineral Oil or Petrolatum containing products” suggests The Guardian columnist Sali Hughes:

“There really isn’t enough evidence spanning a vast majority independently proving petroleum-derived jelly causes cancer”.
Perhaps more exciting things need priorities-like exactly how many calories starbursts contain!!!

(I’m joking!)

Random Posts