BHA

BHA

Abbreviation for butylated hydroxyanisole.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

BHA

A waxy combination of 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, which is an antioxidant.

Alternative medicine
BHA-rich diets in pregnant mice allegedly reduce cholinesterase activity in offspring, and impact on their level of aggressiveness, sleep patterns and weight.
 
Carcinogenicity
Uncertain; BHA has been linked to neoplasia of squamous epithelium, including papillomas and squamous cell carcinoma.
 
Toxicity
Heart palpitations, headaches, nausea, nerve damage.

Food industry
BHA is used as a preservative in foods, feeds, cosmetics, rubbers, drugs (e.g., statins and isoretinoin) and in petroleum products. BHA is used in food processing and packaging to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.