This week the FDA announced that, contrary to its previous position, their own scientists had found higher levels of benzene in soft drinks than is allowed by current tap water standards. Benzene is considered a carcinogen, and some groups, like the World Health Organization, believe no level of benzene is safe for consumption.

The current standard for tap water is 5 parts per billion. Some soft drinks were found contain as many as 19 parts per billion. Despite the about face, the FDA says there is no health threat and no one should be alarmed. While high exposure to benzene has been correlated to a wide variety of healh ailments, it is unclear what level of benzene is unsafe. Bananas contain 132 parts per billion, coleslaw can contain 102 parts per billion and neither have been linked to health problems.

However, if the thought of benzene in your coke is unsettling, Hellfood recommends simple water, filtered if you don’t like the taste of your tap water.

References:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/PublicHealth/tb1/3014