Scientists from the University of Copenhagen warned that fruit juices drunk by millions of children each day could contain a harmful chemical linked to cancer, the Daily Mail newspaper quoted Tuesday.

Researchers have found high levels of antimony ― which can be lethal in large doses ― in many popular brands, it said.

Scientists found that bottles of fruit juice and squash contained up to 2.5 times more of the substance as is deemed “safe” in tap water, under EU guidelines.

In some cases the levels of antimony were ten times higher and the scientists believe that the chemical is leaching its way into the fruit juice from the plastic bottles which hold it, the newspaper wrote.

The substance can cause cancer, heart and lung problems, according to previous studies. The chemicals are believed to have been found in 16 of the most popular blackcurrant and strawberry squash and fruit drinks consumed by children, the researchers were quoted as saying.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)