Dry shampoo aerosol items distributed nationwide by Unilever are being recalled because they may contain high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The recall is the sixth this year involving items containing the cancer-causing chemical, which has been found in deodorant, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen, among others.
The current recall involves dry shampoo aerosol products from Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé manufactured before to October 2021, the business stated in a notification published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday. Here is a complete list of concerned products and their UPC codes.
According to Unilever, an internal investigation determined that the propellant was the source and the company worked with its propellant suppliers to address the issue.
Stop using the affected aerosol dry shampoo products and visit UnileverRecall.com for instructions on how to receive a refund.
Photograph of recalled Unilever items. Food and Drug Administration (U.S.)
The recall is Unilever’s second this year concerning a product that may contain benzene. The multinational corporation sells around 400 goods worldwide, including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Hellmann’s mayonnaise.
Cancers, including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow, and life-threatening blood diseases can arise from benzene exposure. Daily exposure to the quantities of benzene found in the recalled items “would not be expected to create harmful health effects,” according to Unilever.
Chemicals found in abundance
Benzene, one of the most widely produced compounds in the United States, is prevalent in gasoline and cigarette smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control. People are primarily exposed to the chemical by breathing it in, but they can also absorb it by handling petroleum products or by consuming or drinking contaminated food or drink.
Unilever withdrew two Suave 24-hour protection aerosol antiperspirants at the end of March after an internal analysis revealed slightly higher levels of benzene in some samples.
This year, four other companies have recalled items after discovering benzene in samples, and last year, more than half a dozen products were withdrawn for the same reason.
Procter & Gamble, for instance, withdrew aerosol dry hair and conditioner spray products from six national brands in December after discovering benzene in some of them.