Where It Comes From
A synthetic sweetener added to tabletop packets, beverages, baked goods, toothpaste, and some medicines [2][3].
How You Are Exposed
Mainly by eating or drinking products containing saccharin; workers may inhale dust or get skin contact during manufacturing or packaging [2][4].
Why It Matters
High-dose bladder tumors occurred in certain rats via a mechanism not considered relevant to humans; IARC classifies saccharin as “not classifiable” (Group 3), and NTP removed it from its carcinogen report [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
People who consume very large amounts relative to body weight (heavy users) and workers handling saccharin powders [3][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check labels and moderate intake to stay within the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of up to 5 mg/kg body weight/day; at work, use ventilation and protective gear per safety guidance [3][4].
References
- [1]IARC Monographs. Saccharin and its salts (Group 3). IARC, Vol. 73, 1999.
- [2]National Toxicology Program (NTP). Delisting of Saccharin and Its Salts from the Report on Carcinogens, 2000.
- [3]WHO/JECFA. Saccharin and its salts: Safety evaluation; ADI 0–5 mg/kg bw. WHO Food Additives Series 48, 2002.
- [4]U.S. EPA. Removal of Saccharin and Its Salts from Hazardous Lists; Final Rule. Federal Register 75 FR 78918, Dec 17, 2010.