What is ethyl carbamate?
Ethyl Carbamate (also known as EC or urethane) is a well known, potent carcinogen sometimes used in pesticides. EC in high doses can cause tumors within months. In March 2007, the World Health Organization reclassified EC from a Group 2B possible human carcinogen to a Group 2A probable human carcinogen. The US National Toxicology Program cites clear evidence linking EC to breast, lung, liver, ovarian and stomach cancer in animals Ethyl carbamate is found in wine and other fermented foods in low concentration as a naturally occurring by-product of the fermentation process. Canadian government has set mandatory EC limits for wines and spirits. Other countries including the USA may soon set limits as well. In October 2006, four wines were pulled off Canadian store shelves for exceeding ethyl carbamate limits.
