Procter & Gamble recalls dozens of all aerosol hair products including Herbal Essence, Pantene, and Aussie after traces of cancer-causing chemical benzene were found
- P&G has recalled 30 aerosol hair products due to a 'cancer-causing' chemical
- The recalled products, which include big-name brands Herbal Essence, Pantene, and Aussie, were taken off the shelves on December 17
- It is the second massive product recall the Cincinnati-based company has issued this year, citing concerns over the presence of benzene, a human carcinogen
- The most common ways of being exposed to the chemical are through cigarettes and gasoline
- Customers can receive a refund and retailers have been notified
Procter and Gamble (P&G) has released a voluntary recall list of 30 aerosol spray hair products due to a 'cancer-causing' chemical.
It is the second massive recall the Cincinnati-based company has issued this year, citing concerns over the presence of benzene, a human carcinogen linked to leukemia, in its products.
The recalled products, which include big-name brands Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Aussie, were removed from shelves December 17.
P&G disclosed on Tuesday the name of the products, and said benzene was detected in the propellant used to spray the product out of the can and not the product itself.
The company said it is pulling the goods 'out of an abundance of caution,' and will refund affected customers.
Thirty P&G aerosol spray hair products have been recalled due to a 'cancer-causing' chemical
Customers can determine if a product they've purchased is on the recall list by checking the serial number underneath the aerosol can
Benzene can potentially cause cancer, depending on the level and extent of exposure.
'While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our products, our review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can,' P&G said in a statement.
The company said it had not received any reports of adverse events related to the recall, but added that daily exposure to the level of benzene detected in the products would likely not cause cancer.
Customers can determine whether if a product they've purchased is on the recall list by checking the serial number underneath the aerosol can.
If the number starts with 0297, they should stop using and discard the product, the company said.
Customers can also request a refund through P&G's website.
P&G disclosed on Tuesday listed the 30 affected products, and said benzene had been detected in the propellant used to spray the product out of the can and not the product itself
Cincinnati-based parent company Procter and Gamble (P&G) released a 'voluntary' recall list December 17
It is the second massive product recall the Cincinnati-based company has issued this year, citing concerns over the presence of benzene, a human carcinogen linked to leukemia, in its products
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In November, 18 Old Spice and Secret deodorant sprays were also recalled over benzene exposure concerns.
Products recalled at the time included the Old Spice Pure Sport gift set, as well as popular scents like Swagger and Powder Fresh.
The company said the levels of benzene in the products had a low chance of causing consumers harm.
Earlier this year, U.S. pharmacy chains pulled some Johnson & Johnson's sunscreen products from shelves after the company said it had detected benzene in some samples.
People are exposed to benzene daily, the company said, which can occur through 'inhalation, orally, and through the skin.'
In November, 18 Old Spice and Secret deodorant sprays were also recalled over concerns that customers would be exposed to benzene. Products recalled at the time included the Old Spice Pure Sport gift set, as well as popular scents like Swagger and Powder Fresh
The most common ways one is exposed to benzene are through cigarettes and gasoline, according to the National Cancer Institute.
It can also be found in glues, adhesives, cleaning products and paint strippers.
Exposure e can lead to 'leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening,' P&G said.
The company has already notified retailers to remove these products and consumers can receive refunds for the recalled products.
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