Benzene

Sunscreen is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer, but lab testing recently revealed some popular sunscreens have been contaminated with a chemical that could increase the user’s risk of leukemia, a form of blood cancer.

The defective product lawyers at our firm are now accepting cases on behalf of customers who have been diagnosed with various benzene-related cancers and blood disorders after applying sunscreen from one of the brands named in the study, which include Neutrogena, Aveeno, CVS, Sun Bum, Fruit of the Earth, and other popular sunscreens.

If you suspect your cancer or blood disorder, or that of a loved one, is the result of benzene-contaminated sunscreen, contact our team today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.

What Sunscreens Are Being Recalled?

In a May 2021 study conducted by Valisure, nearly 300 sunscreen products from 69 different manufacturers were tested. Out of these 300 products, 78 contained benzene; the majority of these were aerosol sunscreens.

One of the highest-profile sunscreen manufacturers implicated was Johnson & Johnson, which has since recalled several of its aerosol sunscreen products in all can sizes and levels of sun protection factor (SPF), including:

  • Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen
  • Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen
  • CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen
  • Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen
  • UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen
  • And other previously mentioned top name brands.

Why Benzene Is Dangerous

Long-term benzene exposure, even in low doses — such as through frequent application of sunscreen — has been linked to leukemia and other cancers and health conditions, particularly those affecting the blood. Healthcare providers may discover leukemia when patients begin showing signs of anemia, excessive bleeding, and even increased rate of infections.

Benzene is currently associated with the following diseases:

  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
  • Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Aplastic Anemia

Symptoms of benzene exposure typically include tremors, rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, and confusion. These symptoms may start subtly and gradually worsen over time.

If you’ve been diagnosed with any of the above conditions after using a sunscreen containing benzene, throw out the contaminated product and see a doctor right away. We also recommend speaking to a lawyer as soon as possible to help give you the best opportunity to get compensation for your illness.

Why File a Lawsuit Against Sunscreen Manufacturers?

In response to the study, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a statement reading, “The agency reminds manufacturers, distributors, repackagers and importers they are responsible for the quality of their products and urges manufacturers to test their ingredients to ensure they meet specifications and are free from harmful contamination.”

Because the makers of these benzene-contaminated sunscreens failed to properly test for benzene, and thus put many consumers are risk of a deadly disease, they can be held legally liable for the harm they negligently caused.

Furthermore, they should be. The damaging health effects of benzene can be devastating, resulting in enormous medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and even loss of life.

We firmly believe that innocent victims deserve compensation for everything they suffer when manufacturers act negligently, and we aren’t afraid to go up against large corporations to fight for you. And because we work on contingency, clients don’t have to worry about whether or not they can afford to sue.

Contact our product injury lawyers today for your free case consultation.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Valisure or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.