Benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer, was found in dry shampoo products that were recalled last month, according to more than 100 reports of injuries received by Health Canada.
On October 18, Unilever and Health Canada issued a recall for more than 1.5 million units of dry shampoo products made by Dove, Bed Head, and TRESemmé. They were sold across the country between January 2020 and October 2022.
by October
31, the most common reported injuries were rashes or allergic reactions, according to Tammy Jarbeau, a spokesman for Health Canada, who talked to Global News on Monday.
She stated in an email that “the total number of reports and the study of types of injuries are ongoing due to reports still incoming.”
“Health Canada recognises the difficulties facing consumers in determining if they are affected by the recalled items and is aware that individuals may have used these products in the past.
“Benzene has been found in personal care items including dry shampoo, deodorants, and aerosol spray sunscreens before in Canada, leading to a significant safety recall.
According to Health Canada’s statistics, at least 12 recalls involving aerosol spray items and high benzene levels have occurred during the last two years.
Unilever Canada confirmed the aerosol propellant was the cause of “possibly high levels of benzene” in several lots of dry shampoo products after conducting an internal review.
The recall was carried out “out of an excess of caution,” according to Unilever Canada, which stated that it does not utilise benzene as a component in its products.
Unilever issued a recall for dry shampoo that wasn’t just for Canadian consumers.
The previous month saw the recall of goods made by Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé in the US.
Benzene is a carcinogen and exposure to the chemical by inhalation or absorption, through the mouth or skin, can result in leukemia, blood cancer of the bone marrow, and blood disorders which can be life-threatening, according to Health Canada.
Daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels discovered in testing, according to the government, “would not be expected to induce adverse health repercussions.”
Speaking with their healthcare professional if they have any concerns about their health as a result of using the recalled items, advises Health Canada.
More than 100 injuries have been recorded in Canada due to the dry shampoo recall.
About Author
