Johnson & Johnson It said on Wednesday that it was recalling five of its sunscreen products after finding low levels of benzene in some samples. Benzene is a chemical that can cause cancer after repeated exposure.
The affected products are packaged in aerosol cans, including Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen and four versions of Neutrogena sunscreen: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer Aerosol sunscreen.
The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor (SPF). These products are distributed throughout the United States through retailers.
The healthcare giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemicals enter the product.
Johnson & Johnson said it is working hard to remove all five products from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using sunscreen immediately and stated that customers can call Johnson & Johnson’s Consumer Service Center at 1-800-458-1673 for a refund. More information is available on the websites of Neutrogena and Aveeno.
Johnson & Johnson said in a statement that “the use of these products is not expected to cause adverse health effects” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of prudent consideration”. The statement added that people should use alternative sunscreens to protect themselves from skin cancer and melanoma.
Benzene is a highly flammable and widely used chemical that exists throughout the environment. Repeated exposure to high enough levels can cause cancer. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can also damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly.
The effect of this chemical varies depending on whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or comes into contact with skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and even death.
Johnson & Johnson, based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.
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