Walmart and CVS Cold Medicines Contain Cancer-Causing Benzene

While it may seem like the only difference between extended-release Mucinex and its generic store-brand counterpart is the price tag, the latter potentially exposes users to a deadly cancer-causing chemical.

Millions of Americans who buy the store-brand option at various major US chains are unknowingly choosing a drug that risks containing a potent carcinogen called benzene, according to a Bloomberg analysis of government data. Benzene can cause blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Just looking at the boxes, consumers wouldn’t easily be able to spot the difference between the two medicines. They both contain the same active ingredient, guaifenesin. And while the inactive ingredients ...