Aspartame
Context:
- Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener which will be declared as a possible carcinogen next month by the World Health Organization.
- Many daily use products, not only beverages use Aspartame as a sugar alternative as it has zero calories and no bitter aftertaste like other sugar-free options.
- The Reuters report that Aspartame is going to be marked as a carcinogen has triggered health concerns.
List of products that use Aspartame:
- Diet Coke Coca-Cola
- Extra sugarfree Mars chewing gum
- Jell-O Sugarfree gelatin dessert mix
- Snapple zero sugar tea and juice drinks
- Sugar Twin 1 sweetener packets
- Equal zero calorie sweeteners
- Trident sugar-free peppermint gums
What is a carcinogen?
- Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer to humans.
- There are four levels of carcinogens: carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, possibly carcinogenic and not classifiable.
- According to the Reuters report, Aspartame is likely to be classified as possibly carcinogenic — the third category.
What are other substances possibly carcinogenic?
- Carpentry
- Traditional Asian picked vegetables
- Occupational exposures in printing processes
- Occupational exposures in dry cleaning
- Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
List of substances categorised as carcinogenic:
While Aspartame is likely to be categorised as a possible carcinogen, here is a list of products that are carcinogenic to humans — which means there is enough proof that they cause cancer.
- Alcohol
- Outdoor air pollution
- Indoor emissions from household combustion of coal
- Tobacco smoking
- Consumption of processed meat
- X-and Gamma-radiation
- Wood dust
- Opium consumption
- Formaldehyde
- Ultraviolet radiation
Syllabus: Prelims
SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS