Five things you should know about the recent sunscreen recall

With record-breaking heat waves and droughts taking place across the United States, the focus on heat and sun safety is more important than ever.

We all know that one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and your kids from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays is to apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re hitting the beach.

What you may not know is that in July, Johnson & Johnson issued a voluntary recall for five Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen lines in the United States, after the company disclosed it discovered low levels of benzine, a cancer-causing chemical within some of its sun products.

At Swartz & Swartz P.C., we take product safety extremely seriously. Our injury attorneys pursue justice on behalf of victims of hazardous consumer products and other product defects throughout the United States. That’s why we wanted to make sure you know about this recent sunscreen recall. Below you will find five things our injury attorney’s think you should know.

Which products have been recalled?

All batches, or lots, of these four Neutrogena spray sunscreens and one Aveeno spray were voluntarily recalled:

• Neutrogena® Beach Defense® aerosol
• Neutrogena® Cool Dry Sport aerosol
• Neutrogena® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol
• Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® aerosol
• Aveeno® Protect + Refresh aerosol

How did benzene get into the sunscreen in the first place?

According to multiple news reports and Johnson & Johnson itself, benzene is not an ingredient in any of the recalled sunscreens. The company admittedly has no idea how it got in there in the first place and is doing its own investigation.

Benzene was discovered in the Johnson & Johnson sunscreen products by a pharmacy group called Valisure, which independently audits consumer goods to ensure they are safe.

What is benzene and how can I avoid it?

Benzene is found throughout our environment. It’s a chemical formed from both natural and manufactured sources. It can be found in volcanoes, forest fires, cigarette smoke and gasoline vapours. Some companies use it to make plastics, synthetic fibres, pesticides and more. During a smoggy day, chances are you’re inhaling traces of benzene.

Human exposure to benzene causes cells to malfunction. Exposure to benzene can cause immediate symptoms including drowsiness, irregular heartbeat and tremors. With long-term or repeated exposure, benzene can cause cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If I have or used one of these recalled products what should I do?

Johnson & Johnson is asking consumers to stop using these products immediately and discard them. Customers are encouraged to contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center (1-800-458-1673), which is available 24/7, with any questions or to request a refund. Importantly, the FDA recommends that consumers do not continue to use products that are being recalled.

What legal options do I have?

Our firm has a national reputation for successfully representing consumers and their families who have been victimized by hazardous products, resulting in severe and catastrophic injuries.

Our product liability attorneys are here to answer your questions and protect your legal rights. If you want to learn about your potential legal options, call our injury attorneys today at (617) 742-1900; clients from outside of the Boston, Massachusetts area may call toll-free at 1-800-545-3732. At Swartz & Swartz, P.C., attorney is ready to help you get the justice you deserve.