BENZENE SUNSCREEN LAWSUIT WHITEPAPER
About Benzene Sunscreen Lawsuit
Benzene is a colorless and flammable liquid chemical that has a sweet odor. It is used when making common items such as plastic, lubricants, rubber, dyes, drugs, and pesticides.
It can also be found in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Many studies have been conducted that confirm that benzene can cause cancer. Most recently, tests were conducted with popular sunscreen brands which resulted in findings of benzene being a carcinogen.
On July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled five aerosol sunscreen products including Neutrogena and Aveeno. The recall is due to finding traces of benzene in the products.
A class-action case was filed against Neutrogena and Johnson & Johnson for allegedly violating federal laws and a Florida consumer protection statute regarding benzene. It is stated benzene, a known carcinogen, was not disclosed as an ingredient on the sunscreen’s label. This can be considered a misleading advertisement when sunscreen brands claim their products are safe but hide potentially dangerous ingredients.
Benzene Sunscreen Associated Injuries
Breathing in high levels of benzene or consuming contaminated food or drink can result in the following symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Death (at very high levels)
- Vomiting
- Stomach irritation
- Convulsions
Long term effects of benzene exposure can result in serious health issues including:
- Leukemia
- Decrease in red blood cells
- Anemia
- Decrease bone marrow
- Decrease size of ovaries
- Birth defects
- Other blood cancers
Benzene Sunscreen Status of Litigation
In October 2021, the JPML ordered that all J&J aerosol and lotion sunscreen actions be transferred to the Southern District of Florida and assigned to the Honorable Anuraag Singhal. The litigation is captioned “IN RE: Johnson & Johnson Sunscreen Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation.” There have been no verdicts or known settlements at this time.
Benzene Sunscreen Manufacturer
The current manufacturers involved in these lawsuits include
- Neutrogena
- Johnson & Johnson
- CVS Health
- Banana Boat