

Benzene is also listed as developmental and male reproductive toxin in California's Proposition 65.Īccording to the CDC, benzene is actually ubiquitous in our environment, being found in natural sources like forest fires, gasoline and cigarette smoke - and also commonly used in the manufacturing process for plastics, rubbers, dyes, detergents and pesticides.
#Benzene in sunscreen recall skin
How dangerous is being exposed to benzene?Īccording to the FDA's recall notice, benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, and exposure to the chemical - which can occur by inhalation, orally and through the skin - can "potentially result in cancers, including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening." Specifically, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that benzene can cause a shortage of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, or the loss of white blood cells and changes in the blood levels of antibodies, which can damage the immune system. "Benzene is a contaminant that is likely sneaking into some raw materials such as solvents and propellants in aerosol type of products," explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D.
#Benzene in sunscreen recall code


Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the maker of Banana Boat products, Edgewell Personal Care Co., issued the voluntary nationwide recall last Friday for three batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. Sunscreen is essential for healthy skin - but those who currently have a stockpile for the summer may want to check their products, as some batches from the popular sunscreen brand Banana Boat are now being recalled due to the presence of a cancer-causing chemical.Īccording to the recall notice shared by the U.S.

Benzene may be harmful to your health if absorbed or inhaled repeatedly over time.This is the latest product to be recalled due to benzene contamination, after a sweeping recall of numerous sunscreen and deodorants products last year.Customers who bought the affected products should immediately discard the product and can request a refund through the Banana Boat website or by calling 1-88.is issuing a voluntary recall of three different batches of their Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray after finding trace levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in the products.
