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Johnson & Johnson is voluntarily recalling five of its sunscreen products after low levels of benzene were found in samples , a chemical that can cause cancer.
The company announced the recall on Wednesday and advised consumers to stop using products that are Aveeno Protect + Refresh spray sunscreen and four versions of Neutrogena sunscreen: Beach Defense Spray, CoolDry Sport Aerosol, Invisible Daily Defense Aerosol and UltraSheer Aerosol .
The product recall includes all sizes and levels of sun protection factor, or SPF, according to the notice posted on the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. The products have been distributed throughout the country through different retail chains.
The action comes after a report released in May from Valisure, a Connecticut-based pharmacy and laboratory, discovered that dozens of sunscreen products were contaminated with benzene .
Valisure tested and analyzed 294 unique lots of 69 different companies and discovered that 78 sunscreen products contained the chemical .
A citizen petition asked the FDA to recall 40 sunscreen products that contained elevated levels of benzene. Brands include Neutrogena, Sun Bum, CVS Health and Fruit of the Earth so according to the FDA the recall had to have occurred before.
What is benzene?
Benzene is a product widely used, highly flammable chemical that is present throughout the environment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can cause cancer if repeatedly exposed to high enough levels , in addition to damaging the immune system and preventing cells from working properly.
The effects of the chemical vary depending on the case. it is accidentally inhaled or swallowed by the person or on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to seizures and sometimes death.
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Johnson & Johnson said in a statement that “the use of these products is not expected to cause adverse health consequences” so it decided to voluntarily withdraw them as a “precaution.”
The recalled products are:
- Neutrogena Beach Defense Aerosol Sunscreen
- Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport Spray Sunscreen
- Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Aerosol Sunscreen
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Spray Sunscreen
Customers can get a refund by calling the J&J Customer Service Center at 1 – 800 – 458 – 1673.
Aveeno’s recalled product is Aveeno Protect + Refresh Spray Sunscreen. More information can be found at Aveeno.com/sunscreen-recall .
At the end of June Johnson & Johnson agreed to end the manufacture and sale of opioids nationwide and agreed to pay New York State $ 230 millions of dollars.
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