Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) , Butylated Compounds, are used as preservatives in a variety of personal care products. Both of these chemicals are also used as preservatives in foods.
It can be found in potato chips, lard, butter, cereal, instant mashed potatoes, preserved meat, beer, baked goods, dry beverage and dessert mixes, chewing gum, and other foods. Oh, also: rubber, petroleum products, and, of course, wax food packaging.
These chemicals are linked to several health concerns including endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity, and due to these concerns, BHA has been banned for use in cosmetics in the European Union.
