Sunscreen Hazard: Key Information and Strategies to Avoid Contaminated Benzene Sunscreens
In a concerning turn of events, several popular sunscreen brands have been found to contain traces of benzene, a known human carcinogen. This revelation has led to a series of recalls, lawsuits, and recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The affected brands include Johnson & Johnson (Neutrogena and Aveeno), Coppertone, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Sun Bum, Banana Boat, La Roche-Posay, CVS Health, and Fruit of the Earth. Independent lab tests have shown that approximately 27% of sunscreen samples contained detectable levels of benzene, with some batches having up to three times the safe FDA concentration limit of 2 parts per million.
The most dangerous route of exposure to benzene is inhalation, and since most of the tainted products were aerosol sunscreen, consumers have breathed in considerable amounts of the chemical. Johnson & Johnson claimed that the level of benzene in their sunscreen "would not be expected to cause adverse health effects" even with frequent exposure, but Consumer Reports found that some of the company's sunscreen had a concentration of benzene 12 times over the safe limit.
The FDA is working to have the sunscreen taken off the market, but except for the ten products that have been recalled, the other 68 remain on the shelves of U.S. stores. Consumers are advised to switch to a safe, non-toxic sunscreen if they have been using one of the affected products.
Instead of chemical sunscreen, opt for mineral sunscreen, which is healthy both for you and for the coral reefs. Apply sunscreen abundantly, using 2 milliliters of product per square centimeter of skin, and apply it 30 minutes before leaving your home, as it takes a while for it to be absorbed by your skin.
Chronic exposure to benzene can cause leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma by producing chronic inflammation and suppressing the immune system. If you have been using the sunscreen of Johnson & Johnson that has been recalled but have not developed a disease, you can try to obtain a refund from the company by calling the Consumer Care Center at 800.458.1673.
Across the country, there are currently hundreds of lawsuits pending against the sunscreen manufacturers found negligent, with the first one having been filed by Meredith Serota, a woman from Florida. Dr. Christopher Bunick, M.D., and Ph.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, emphasizes the need for regulatory agencies to address benzene contamination in sunscreens and topical medications.
Valisure, an independent pharmacy, filed a citizen petition with the FDA, urging a recall on 40 tainted batches of sunscreen, including all products that had a benzene concentration of 0.1 ppm. The complete list of specific products can be found online to know what not to purchase next time you shop for sunscreen.
It is crucial to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as these products shield your skin against UVA rays too in addition to UVB rays. Beyond sunscreens, benzene is a toxic chemical primarily used in industrial settings for the manufacturing of plastic, resins, dyes, and pesticides.
As the situation evolves, it is essential for consumers to stay informed and make conscious decisions about the products they use. The FDA continues to investigate the issue and provide updates on affected products and recalls.
- The ongoing issue of benzene contamination in sunscreen has prompted concerns in the health-and-wellness field, particularly the skin-care sector, as chronic exposure to this potent carcinogen can cause inflammation in the body and lead to diseases like leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma.
- In light of this development, it is advisable for consumers to switch to mineral sunscreens, a safer alternative that not only benefits health but also protects the environment, as they do not contain harmful chemicals like benzene.
