Is Benzene in Sunscreen Linked to Cancer?

Sunscreen is one of the most effective and popular ways to protect our skin against the sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunscreen is supposed to be a safe product for consumers, but recently, some Neutrogena sunscreens were found to contain elevated levels of benzene, a carcinogen which can cause cancer and leukemia when a person is exposed to it.

If you or a loved one used a Johnson & Johnson sunscreen that contained benzene and developed cancer, you may qualify to file a lawsuit. Contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a hydrocarbon compound that is a natural constituent of crude oil that is highly flammable and used as a solvent in many chemicals, including plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. Benzene is a known carcinogen that you may have been exposed to through tobacco smoke, gas stations, and motor vehicles fumes and exhaust.

Do All Sunscreens Contain Benzene?

Many popular brands of sunscreen contain benzene and other hydrocarbons as ingredients. The use of benzene in sunscreens is generally considered safe when used in small amounts and when precautions are taken to avoid overexposure. Some sunscreens that contain benzene come from popular brands including:

• Aveeno
• Banana Boat
• Coppertone
• CVS Health
• Neutrogena
• Sun Bum
• TopCare
• Walgreens

Sunscreens with small amounts of benzene are generally considered safe and can help protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Which Sunscreens have been Recalled?

Johnson & Johnson recalled the following sunscreens due to elevated levels of benzene on July 14, 2021:

• NEUTROGENA Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen
• NEUTROGENA Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
• NEUTROGENA Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen
• NEUTROGENA Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen
• AVEENO Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen

These products contained higher-than-acceptable concentrations of benzene. Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers about these elevated levels and the potential side effects.

Can Sunscreen Give You Cancer?

If sunscreen contains elevated levels of benzene, it can cause cancer. The body can absorb the carcinogen which then enters the bloodstream and can cause cancer.

Long-term exposure to benzene, has been found to cause:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Aplastic Anemia

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with any of these illnesses after extended use of a recalled sunscreen, contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.

Speak With A Sunscreen Recall Attorney At The Barnes Firm Today

At The Barnes Firm, we believe Johnson & Johnson acted maliciously by not disclosing the potential dangers of benzene in their sunscreen products with consumers.

Individuals who used one or more recalled sunscreens for an extended period and were diagnosed with leukemia or certain types of cancer may be eligible to file a lawsuit. For more information regarding the sunscreen recall lawsuit or to find out if you qualify for this lawsuit, contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

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