Camphor Not Generally Carcinogenic, But Some Oils Pose Risk
Recent concerns regarding the potential cancer-causing properties of camphor have been debunked, though experts warn certain types of camphor oil should be avoided.
Camphor, a white or transparent waxy substance derived from the wood of the camphor laurel tree and other trees in Asia and Borneo, has been used for centuries in medicinal, religious, and culinary practices. While widely used in over-the-counter pain relief products, cough suppressants, and skin treatments – including the popular “minyak angin” – camphor itself is not classified as a carcinogen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration established safety guidelines in 1982, restricting camphor content in medicinal products to less than 11%.
However, investigations reveal that certain camphor oils contain varying levels of safrole, a compound classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Brown camphor oil contains approximately 80% safrole, making it highly toxic, while yellow camphor oil also contains significant amounts. White camphor oil, the type commonly found in commercial products, undergoes processing to remove safrole and is considered safe for use. Research even suggests white camphor oil may have anti-cancer properties, with studies indicating it can induce tumor regression in certain skin cancers; you can learn more about camphor’s medicinal uses here.
This distinction is crucial as brown and yellow camphor oils were historically used in traditional medicine and as flavoring agents but are now prohibited in consumer products due to their safrole content. The International Fragrance Association recommends limiting safrole concentration to 0.01% in consumer products. This news comes as public awareness of chemical safety in everyday products continues to grow.
Officials advise consumers to avoid brown and yellow camphor oils and to ensure products utilize properly processed white camphor oil, and further research into the long-term effects of safrole exposure is ongoing.
