Why am I being warned about potential exposure to non-decolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera?
- Non-decolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer. Exposure to this substance may increase the risk of cancer.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.
What is non-decolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera?
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a succulent plant used in some personal care products and home remedies, and to flavor some foods and beverages.
- Proposition 65 lists a specific type of Aloe vera extract: non-decolorized whole leaf extract.
- This extract from the plant’s leaves is not filtered to remove cancer-causing chemicals naturally found in the Aloe vera plant.
- Most consumer products with Aloe vera do not contain this type of extract, and are not known to pose a cancer risk. They contain decolorized whole leaf Aloe vera extract. This extract is filtered to remove cancer-causing chemicals, and is not on the Proposition 65 list.
How does exposure to non-decolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera occur?
- Exposure can take place by consuming products with non-decolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera or applying them to the skin.
- A few consumer products contain this non-decolorized extract, though product labels do not always make this clear.
- Home remedies with Aloe vera may pose a cancer hazard if the liquid extracted from the leaves is not properly processed to remove the cancer-causing chemicals.
- During pregnancy, some chemicals of concern in non-decolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera can pass from mother to baby.
How can I reduce my exposure to non-decolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera?
- If you are using Aloe vera products that contain whole leaf extract, check the label or check with the manufacturer to be sure that the extract has been decolorized.
- If you are using whole Aloe vera leaves to make your own home remedies, take steps to remove the plant’s harmful chemicals, such as filtering the Aloe vera extract through an activated charcoal filter.
For more information:
Scientific Information on Aloe Vera
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Toxicology Program (NTP) - World Health Organization (WHO)
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
References
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