Consumers and retail workers hurried to remove dry shampoo brands, such as Dove, Bed Head, and TRESemmé, from their shelves due to the detection of carcinogenic benzene. The recall, announced by Unilever on October 18, 2022, applies to more than 1.5 million units sold from January 2020 to October 2022.
Benzene structure (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Benzene is a known human carcinogen, increasing the risk of leukemia and blood cancer in bone marrow.
Volcanoes and forest fires naturally introduce the compound into the environment, and we inhale low doses daily from human-related activities. The American Cancer Society recommends steering clear of second-hand smoke and car exhaust to decrease exposure.
Within weeks of the recall announcement, Valisure, an independent laboratory, submitted a Citizen Petition on Benzene in Dry Shampoo Products to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Valisure sampled air contaminated with dry shampoo products, and 11 product batches from 3 different brands exhibited benzene levels ten times the FDA limit of 2 parts per million. The persistent high concentration of benzene after product use indicates possible short- and long-term effects.
Unilever’s independent study assured customers that the amount of benzene in the products was “not expected to cause adverse health consequences”. In contrast, Health Canada received calls describing incidents or injuries related to dry shampoo products. Typically, customer injuries were irritations or allergic reactions.
Aerosol products could be contaminating your air (Source: Robert Howie on flickr)
Nine months before Unilever’s recall, Proctor & Gamble removed Pantene, Aussie and Herbal Essence dry shampoo and conditioner sprays from stores. On July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson recalled five Aveeno and Neutrogena spray sunscreens.
Valisure submitted multiple other Citizen Petitions regarding benzene contamination in consumer products, including body sprays, hand sanitizers, anti-fungal sprays and antiperspirants.
Obviously, benzene in aerosol products is no longer an uncommon occurrence.
Consumers should opt for powders and lotions as often as possible…or risk another recall.
Julia Sawitsky