International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 6 Issue 6, September-October 2022 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Chemical Preservatives and their Effects on Human Beings

Dr. Mahesh Singh Khirwar
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, RBS College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Dr. Mahesh

The levels of food contamination have reached an all-new level. To Singh Khirwar "Chemical Preservatives
preserve the taste, freshness, and color of the foods, even fresh fruits and their Effects on Human Beings"
and vegetables are loaded with chemicals and preservatives. Taking Published in
into consideration the increased use of chemicals and preservatives, it International Journal
of Trend in
is extremely important to avoid junk food. However, when it comes
Scientific Research
to fresh fruits and vegetables, it is impossible to avoid them and Development
considering their dietary significance. This is the reason why it is (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-
extremely important to wash fruits and vegetables in the right way 6470, Volume-6 | IJTSRD51823
using a vegetable and fruit cleaner. Artificial or Chemical Issue-6, October
preservatives which are used to delay the contamination of foods are 2022, pp.46-51, URL:
the ones that lead to health problems. These preservatives are www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd51823.pdf
artificially produced and synthetic in nature. These are often labeled
as preservatives on food labels. Copyright © 2022 by author(s) and
International Journal of Trend in
KEYWORDS: chemical, preservatives, contamination, toxins, Scientific Research and Development
preservatives, diet, health, synthetic, junk, artificial Journal. This is an
Open Access article
distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

INTRODUCTION
Cardiovascular diseases have become quite common these harmful effects, it is advisable to pay special
and the presence of preservatives on food items is one attention to what you eat. Avoid junk as much as
of the main causes of increasing heart problems. possible and make sure you wash the fruits and
Research conducted by In Chem suggested that food vegetables with care. Instead of washing the food
preservatives can weaken the heart tissues. When you items with plain water, you can use the vegetable and
consume food items that have a residue of the fruit cleaner.[1,2]
preservative on the surface, it can increase the
The Codex Alimentarius Commission also establishes
chances of heart damage. Preservatives and chemicals
standards and guidelines on food labelling. These
present in the food items also increase the chances of standards are implemented in most countries, and
breathing problems. According to research by
food manufacturers are obliged to indicate which
MayoClinic, removing foods with preservatives from
preservatives are in their products. In the European
the diet can help in reducing the symptoms as well as
Union, for example, there is legislation governing
the severity of breathing problems and asthma. Some labelling of food preservatives according to a set of
of the preservatives present in food items such as
pre-defined “E-numbers”. People who have allergies
aspartame, sulfites, and benzoates aggravate
or sensitivities to certain food preservatives should
breathing problems. One of the most harmful effects
check labels carefully. WHO encourages national
of preservatives on food items is their ability to
authorities to monitor and ensure that food
transform into carcinogen agents. Some of the food
preservatives in food and drinks produced in their
items consist of nitrosamines, a preservative that has
countries comply with permitted uses, conditions and
nitrites and nitrates, which mix with the gastric acids
legislation. National authorities should oversee the
and form cancer-causing agents. To ensure that you
food business, which carries the primary
avoid eating this preservative, you need to avoid
responsibility for ensuring that the use of a food
snacks or meals that are loaded with nitrites and
additive is safe and complies with legislation.
nitrates. Those were some of the harmful effects of
preservatives on your health. Considering

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
Various common chemicals may harm the immune cause problems with the immune system and nervous
system, causing it to malfunction. This is known as system. They are found in the lining of food and soda
immunotoxicity Trusted Source. These harmful cans, plastics with the number 3 or 7, and cash
effects may be temporary or permanent. register receipts, among other places. They used to be
Possible immunotoxic effects include: found in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups; while
hypersensitivity this has been banned, older bottles and cups may still
contain them.
chronic inflammation
immunosuppression, or an impairment of the Phthalates. These can also act like hormones,
body’s ability to fight off infections interfering with male genital development, and can
increase the risk of obesity and cardiovascular
immunostimulation, which can cause tissue disease. They are ubiquitous, found not just in plastic
damage through immune responses packaging, garden hoses, and inflatable toys, but also
autoimmunity in things like nail polish, hairsprays, lotions, and
In particular, if an immunotoxic substance causes the fragrances.
body to produce fewer antibodies, it can have an Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs). They can lead to
effect on the fight against active infections and the low-birth weight babies, as well as problems with the
protection against future ones. immune system, the thyroid, and fertility. They are
The FDA currently require immunotoxicity testing for commonly found in grease-proof paper, cardboard
food preservatives. However, most food preservatives packaging, and commercial household products such
received approval decades ago, and the FDA do not as water-repellent fabric and nonstick pans, among
mandate updated testing on previously approved other places.[5,6]
preservatives. What do a can of corn, a take-out pizza, Perchlorate. This chemical also interferes with
a reusable water bottle, a bright green yogurt, and an thyroid function, and can disrupt early brain
inflatable pool toy have in common? They all contain development. It’s found in some dry food packaging
food preservatives or chemicals that can be dangerous — it’s used to decrease static electricity — and
for children. Over the last few decades, the number of sometimes in drinking water.
chemicals added to foods and other products has
skyrocketed. We have created all sorts of plastics that Artificial food colors. These have been found to
are used in innumerable ways. We add preservatives increase symptoms in children who have attention
to foods to keep them fresh. We add chemicals to deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. They are
foods to make them look more appealing. We have found in all sorts of food products, but especially
made food packaging to keep food fresh. We add those marketed for children.
chemicals to lotions and beauty products to make Nitrates and nitrites. These can interfere with the
them feel, look, and smell nice... the list goes on and thyroid, as well as with the blood’s ability to deliver
on of the ways we have invented and used chemicals. oxygen to the body. They can also increase the risk of
We did all of it for what seemed like good reasons at certain cancers. They are used to preserve food and
the time, but we are learning that many of those enhance its color. They are commonly found in
chemicals can cause real harm.[3,4] processed foods, especially meats.
Discussion These chemicals are truly everywhere, and impossible
In a policy statement entitled Food Preservatives and to avoid completely. Here is what the AAP suggests:
Child Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics
Buy and serve more fresh or frozen fruits and
warns about these harms — and points out that they
vegetables, and fewer processed meats, especially
often are worse for children. Children are smaller, so
during pregnancy.
their "dose" of any given chemical ends up being
higher. They put their hands in their mouths more Since heat can cause plastics to leak BPA and
than adults do, so they are likely to ingest more. Their phthalates into food, avoid microwaving food or
bodies are still developing, so they can be more at beverages in plastic containers. Also: wash plastics by
risk of harm — and they are young, so the chemicals hand rather than putting them in the dishwasher.[7,8]
have more time to do more damage. Use more glass and stainless steel instead of plastic.
In particular, the policy statement warns about: Avoid plastics with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 on them.
Bisphenols, such as BPA. They can act like the
hormone estrogen and interfere with puberty and Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching
fertility. Bisphenols can also increase body fat, and food, and clean all fruits and vegetables well.

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
And here are a few more ideas: enhance its shelf appeal. Research estimates that the
Cut back on canned foods and beverages in general. United States consumes 453,6 billion kilograms of
chemical preservatives each year. While the use of
Cut back on fast food and processed foods. these chemicals is kept as quiet as possible, for
Read labels. Get to know what is in the products you obvious reasons, they have been associated with a
use. number of negative health and behavioral conditions.

Look for lotions, soaps, and other products that are Food preservatives are any of various chemical
made naturally — and are fragrance-free. substances added to foods to produce specific
desirable effects. Preservatives such as salt, spices,
Consider making your own home cleaning products. and sulfite have been used since ancient times to
You’d be amazed what a little baking soda or vinegar preserve foods and make them more palatable. With
can do.[9,10] the increased processing of foods in the 20th century,
Results there came a need for both the greater use of and new
The increasing demand for ready-to-eat fresh food types of food preservatives. Many modern products,
products has led to challenges for food distributors such as low-calorie, snack, and ready-to-eat
regarding the safety and quality of their foods. convenience foods, would not be possible without
Artificial preservatives meet some of these challenges food preservatives.[11,12]
by preserving freshness for longer periods of time, Chemicals can end up in our food in various ways:
but these preservatives can cause negative side-effects
as well. Sodium nitrite is a preservative used in lunch Some substances may be used during production,
meats, hams, sausages, hot dogs, and bacon to prevent transport, or storage of food products. This includes
botulism. It serves the important function of pesticides, preservatives and colouring agents,
controlling the bacteria that cause botulism, but veterinary drugs and substances in packaging
sodium nitrite can react with proteins, or during materials.
cooking at high heats, to form carcinogenic N- Sometimes chemicals are used illegally in the food
nitrosamines. It has also been linked to cancer in lab production process.
animals. The commonly used sodium benzoate has
been found to extend the shelf life of bottled tomato Some substances may occur naturally in the basic
ingredients used in a food product, or in the food
paste to 40 weeks without loss of quality. However, it
itself. Examples include heavy metals, such as lead
can form the carcinogen benzene when combined
and cadmium, which are present in the soil. Or
with vitamin C. Many food manufacturers have
mycotoxins, a group of toxins that are produced by
reformed their products to eliminate this combination,
fungi.
but a risk still exists. Consumption of sodium
benzoate may also cause hyperactivity. For over 30 Some substances are produced during the course of
years, there has been a debate about whether or not food production or preparation. For instance,
preservatives and other food preservatives can cause acrylamide is produced when baking starchy foods at
hyperactivity. Studies have found that there may be high temperatures, while polycyclic aromatic
increases in hyperactivity amongst children who hydrocarbons (PAHs) are released when cooking
consume artificial colorings and benzoate meat on a barbecue.
preservatives and who are already genetically A list of hazardous chemicals we can nowadays find
predisposed to hyperactivity, but these studies were
in processed food and preferably be avoided when
not entirely conclusive. Hyperactivity only increased buying packaged food;
moderately, and it was not determined if the
preservatives, colorings, or a combination of the two Artificial Flavoring: is a blanket term that refers to
were responsible for the increase. man-made chemicals created to taste the same as
natural flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry, or lemon.
Every day people are exposed to a cocktail of
Because it's cheaper to use in most products, it's very
chemicals in food that interact with each other in
common. Studies suggest it may result in behavioral
ways that are far beyond our understanding. This
changes.[13,14]
“chemical soup” is particularly dangerous when we
include food chemicals in our diets. Pre-packaged High Fructose Corn Syrup: this sweetener, made from
food must have a long enough shelf life to make it corn, is popular with food manufacturers because it's
from the processing plant, to the store, to the cheaper and sweeter than cane sugar, and it maintains
consumer. Chemical preservatives keep the food fresh moisture, while preserving freshness. This additive is
longer, and over 14,000 lab-made preservatives extremely common in processed food and is believed

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to contribute to heart disease, increases your LDL Health categorizes it as “reasonably anticipated to be
(“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the a human carcinogen.”[15,16]
development of diabetes and tissue damage. In Canthaxanthin: is a color additive used in foods that
addition to accelerating the aging process.
need a boost of yellow or red, like eggs or salmon.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): is made of Studies have found that great quantities of
components naturally found in our bodies of water, Canthaxanthin can result in retinal damage.
sodium and glutamate, but that doesn’t mean it's
Nitrates/Nitrites: are a synthetic food preservative
meant to be ingested. MSG is a flavor enhancer often
often added to cured meat. When nitrates are exposed
used in seasonings, condiments, bouillons, and snack
to high heat during the cooking process, they convert
chips. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG
to nitrites. Nitrites combine with amines to form
may result in adverse side effects which include cancer causing nitrosamines.
depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue,
headaches, and obesity. MSG effects the neurological Maltodextrin: is added to a number of foods like
pathways of the brain and disengaged the "I'm full" pudding, salad dressing, and sauces as a thickening
function which explains the effects of weight gain. agent. The side effects of Maltodextrin include
MSG may also be listed as “hydrolyzed soy protein” unexplained weight gain, bloating, and allergic
or “autolyzed yeast.” reactions such as asthma, rash, itching, and
respiratory distress.
Sodium Benzoate: is used as a preservative in both
drinks and food products. When used in conjunction Conclusions
with food color, sodium benzoate may increase Chemistry has helped the modern world in various
hyperactivity in children. It may also react with ways. One such important contribution has been the
vitamin C to create a cancer-causing substance called advent of chemicals in our day to day food. Actually,
benzene. there are three main functions that chemicals perform
when they are added to food, these are:
Aspartame: is an artificial sweetener commonly used
in diet drinks and some food products. Aspartame has They help preserve the food. Most of the
been controversial for years and has been reported to processed food we find in the market have a shelf
cause seizures, headaches, mood disturbances, and life varying between a few months to even a few
even cancer. It may be listed as a brand name such as years. This is only possible because we add
Equal or NutraSweet. chemicals to these foods as preservatives.
Benzoic Acid: is an additive used in everything from Sometimes chemicals can be added to food to
chewing gum and ice cream to pickles and salad improve their physical appearance. Certain
dressing. Benzoic Acid can contribute to asthma chemicals will help the producers boost the appeal
attacks and hyperactivity, as well as headaches and and make them more attractive to consumers.
digestive issues. They serve a purely cosmetic purpose.[17]
Potassium Bromate: An additive banned in Europe, And of course, chemicals can also add nutritional
Canada, Asia, and Brazil, Potassium Bromate is an value to foods.
oxidizing agent that chemically ages flour, Chemicals in food are known as preservatives. There
strengthening its elasticity. It has caused cancer in are many types of preservatives we use currently that
some animals, and even small amounts create a risk are considered safe for human consumption. But not all
for humans. Consumers might also see it listed on a of these are considered healthy. Here are a few
food label as bromated flour. chemicals we use in food:
Sodium Caseinate: is a biochemical found in many Food Colors
dairy products. It's suspected to contribute to or cause
many milk-based allergies, which result in reactions Artificial Sweeteners
such as skin rashes, stomach upset, or respiratory Artificial Flavors
arrest. Ingesting large quantities of Sodium Caseinate
can also harm your kidneys. Stabilizing agents

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisol): is a preservative Preservatives

frequently found in many foods such as butter, cereal, Supplements
beer, baked goods, dessert mixes, and chewing gum.
Trans Fats
While it is “generally recognized as safe” by the Food
and Drug Administration, the National Institute of

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Browse more Topics under Chemistry In Everyday cooking purposes. So it is mainly used in drinks and
Life cold foods. The health effects of aspartame are also still
Cleansing Agents up for debate.
Sucralose
Drugs and Their Classification
Drugs-target Interaction
Therapeutic Action of Different Classes of Drugs
Artificial Sweeteners
Normally we add sugar to sweeten any food or drink.
Sugar, as we know, is sucrose i.e. C12H22O11. Sucrose is
a natural sweetener we obtain from natural resources
like cane sugar. However, sucrose has a high caloric
value and is considered unhealthy in high doses.
Thus we used chemistry to come up with alternatives,
i.e. artificial sweeteners. There are actually a few Sucralose is the most recent sugar substitute invented
chemicals we use as artificial sweeteners. Let us take a by us. It is a trichloro derivative of sugar, i.e. sucrose.
look. The chemical formula is C12H19Cl3O8. Sucralose is
almost twice as sweet as saccharides and about 320-
Saccharine 1000 times sweeter than cane sugar.
One property of sucralose is that it does not break down
in our bloodstream. This means it is noncaloric. Also
since it is a stable compound, it can be used in cooking,
baking and in products that need a longer shelf life.
Sucralose is generally mixed with some bulking agents.
The ones most commonly used are maltodextrin and/or
dextrose. The major advantage sucralose has over the
other substitutes is that its appearance, as well as its
taste, is very similar to natural sugar.
Food will get spoilt after a time due to the growth of
microbes and other microorganisms. This spoilage of
This was the first sweetener that was ever invented. food can be controlled and delayed by using food
Saccharine’s chemical name is O-Sulfobenzimide, and preservatives. There are some natural preservatives
the chemical formula is C7H5NO3S. This is a very such as salt (NaCl), sugar and some oils (like vegetable
strong artificial sweetener. It has zero nutritional value, oil).
and no calories as well. Saccharine is five hundred However, sometimes chemical food preservatives must
times sweeter than cane sugar. be used to increase the shelf life of the food. Especially
It was initially considered harmless to humans, and packaged food that is sometimes consumed weeks and
diabetics were encouraged to consume it in place of months after it is prepared. In fact, one of the largest
sucrose. However, in the 1970s there were studies that uses of chemicals in food is that as a food preservative.
indicated that saccharine may cause cancerous tumours. The most common chemical is sodium benzoate. The
The studies were later discredited, but the debate still molecular formula of sodium benzoate is C7H5NaO2. It
continues. is a salt of benzoic acid and the resulting product of the
Aspartame reaction between sodium hydroxide and benzoic acid.
Another type of artificial sweetener is aspartame with Sodium benzoate is a particularly effective preservative
the chemical formula C14H18N2O5 . It is a methyl ester for acidic foods. It inhibits the growth of microbes that
of phenylalanine dipeptide or aspartic acid. It is roughly cause food spoilage.
two hundred times sweeter than sugar. So we use it in Other nitrates (for example sodium nitrate) and
very small quantities, making its calorie count almost sulphites (like sodium sulphite) are also effective food
zero. preservatives. Like all chemicals in food, in small
One problem with aspartame is that it is not a stable quantities they are harmless. But in large quantities,
compound. Hence it cannot be heated or used for they can have ill effects on human health.[18]

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