Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic preservative used in food, plastics, and petroleum industries. It prevents oxidation and preserves color, aroma, and freshness. BHT is also used in animal feed and has potential anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. However, long-term high doses may impair blood clotting and cause tumors. BHT is commonly found in foods, plastic food containers, and packaging materials. It is also used in the rubber industry and in hydraulic oils, brake fluids, and transmission fluids.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic preservative used in the food, plastics, and petroleum industries. A crystallized white molecule, the BHT antioxidant prevents oxidation of rubber, resins and plastic while preserving color. The BHT antioxidant added to food and food packaging preserves aroma, color and freshness. It commonly exists in foods that contain fat to prevent it from going rancid.
BHT is also approved by health and safety agencies for use in animal feed to preserve vitamin content and flavor. One study found that adding the antioxidant BHT to chicken feed prevented Newcastle disease, a viral infection that causes death in poultry. This study led researchers to theorize that BHT antioxidants could prevent viruses in humans. Some people use BHT antioxidants to treat herpes simplex, but no human trials prove its effectiveness.
An animal study showed that the antioxidant impaired the blood’s ability to clot and caused tumors when used over a long period of time at high doses. Researchers found anti-cancer properties in the BHT antioxidants at lower doses. They concluded that the amounts found in food are probably harmless.
Products made with polypropylene resin must be manufactured at high temperatures, which causes the resin to degrade and become brittle. Adding antioxidant BHT to the mix stabilizes the resin and preserves the color. It produces similar effects on waxes, rubber and plastic. Most plastic food containers and food wraps contain this additive.
The preservative is also found in many hydraulic oils, brake fluids, transmission fluids, and cutting oils to prevent sticking. The oil used to treat leather, along with other materials subject to oily, waxy, or oily coatings, can be stabilized with the preservative. BHT manufacturers often sell the additive in crystal form, as granules or liquids mixed with oils.
Foods, such as potato chips and dry cereals, usually contain the additive. It can also be added to cardboard food cartons and plastic bags inside boxes to help packaging materials last longer on the shelf. BHT is typically used in combination with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) antioxidants, citric acid, and other preservatives. It also helps the gum retain its elastic properties.
In the rubber industry, colorless products benefit from this additive because it does not stain. If the products are black, such as tires, another preservative can be used without fear of staining. Manufacturers who use large amounts of the preservative for melt use generally purchase it in liquid form.
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