Investigation into the benzene and toluene content of soft drinks

Sixty samples of different types of soft drinks with an aqueous base were analysed (Cola, Cola light, orange, carbonated) for the purpose of evaluating the presence and content of the principal aromatic hydrocarbons responsible for environmental pollution. The analyses were done using the purge and trap technique and gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The deuterated isotopes of the same hydrocarbons were used for quantitative determination by the internal standard technique. Although an examination of the data found does not show values in excess of the limits recommended by the WHO for benzene in drinking water, nevertheless a constant presence of benzene and toluene was found in all the beverages analysed which gives food for thought about a possible cumulative effect, taking the intake of other contaminated foods and environmental pollution into account.