High Levels of Benzene Detected in Popular Sunscreens Increases Risk of Developing Leukemia
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Batches of 78 sunscreens and after-sun care products were found to contain high levels of the carcinogen benzene. Neutrogena sunscreens and products comprised 10 of the 14 batches with the highest benzene concentrations. Some batches analyzed contained up to three times the FDA concentration limits of two parts per million (ppm).
The online pharmacy Valisure, which detected the benzene, has petitioned the FDA to recall products from Neutrogena, Aveeno and other top brands, as well as to better define benzene limits for medication and cosmetic products.
Contact our attorneys to review whether you or a loved one may be entitled to compensation.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a colorless or pale-yellow chemical used primarily as a solvent in chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing. For over 120 years, the chemical has been known to cause leukemia and other blood cancers, with no safe levels established. The carcinogen is not an ingredient in sunscreen, suggesting its presence is due to contamination during manufacturing.
FDA researchers have found high blood levels of chemicals present in sunscreen following application on the skin.
Organizations that Recognize Benzene as a Carcinogen Include:
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH lists “inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact” as exposure routes for benzene.
