KGG Investigating Johnson & Johnson’s Neutrogena and Aveeno Sunscreens for Cancer-Causing Ingredient
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman is currently investigating a class action lawsuit over false representations made by manufacturer Johnson & Johnson regarding its Neutrogena and/or Aveeno brand sunscreens. These sunscreens are considered dangerous because they contain benzene, a known carcinogen that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.
Which Sunscreens Contain Carcinogenic Benzene?
Contact our class action attorneys if you have purchased any of the following aerosol sunscreens:
- Neutrogena Beach Defense
- Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport
- Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
- Aveeno Protect + Refresh
If you have purchased any of the above products, you may be a candidate for this class action. Please contact attorneys Melissa R. Emert, Esq. or Gary S. Graifman, Esq. by using the contact form below on this page. Our office is located at 747 Chestnut Ridge Road (Suite 200) in Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977. All personal injury and product liability consultations are free of charge.
About the Aveeno & Neutrogena Sunscreen Class Action Lawsuit
On May 24, 2021, Valisure (an independent laboratory in New Haven, Connecticut) filed a citizen petition with the FDA, requesting a product recall for sunscreens that contained Benzene.
The lab found Benzene in 78 of 294 unique batches from the 69 brands that they analyzed. According to their findings, 26 batches contained carcinogen concentrations between 0.1 ppm and 2 ppm, and the 14 Neutrogena sunscreens contained amounts higher than 2 ppm.
While there is no “safe” level of human exposure to Benzene, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that workers wear protective gear if they expect to reach exposure levels of 0.1 ppm or higher.
What Are the Human Health Risks of Benzene Exposure?
According to the World Health Organization, Benzene is a “well-established cause of cancer in humans.” Individuals who have suffered repeated exposure have a “substantially increased risk” of mortality related to:
- Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Acute and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
Acute effects of Benzene exposure include headaches, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, tremors, and loss of consciousness. It is considered a moderate skin and eye irritant as well. Effects of chronic exposure may include aplastic anemia, as well as reduced B-cell and T-cell functioning resulting in decreased immunity to disease. Monitoring can be done through the measurement of urinary inorganic and organic sulfate conjugates and monthly blood counts.
What to Do If You’ve Used Recalled Neutrogena Aerosol Sunscreens
On July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson initiated a voluntary recall of the contaminated products, which were distributed nationwide through a variety of retail channels. They urged consumers to discard the products, contact a physician if they have any problems using the aerosol sunscreens, and contact the JJCI Care Center to request a refund by calling 1-800-458-1673. Valisure also published a list of alternate products in which Benzene was not detected.
Should You Contact a Lawyer?
It can be very alarming to find out you’ve been inadvertently using a product containing harmful chemicals that you thought was safe. Risk of Benzene exposure was nowhere to be found on the product labels of these sunscreen products. You do not need a cancer diagnosis in order to get involved in this class action. Anyone who has purchased Neutrogena’s aerosol sunscreen sprays since May 25, 2017 can be eligible to receive a refund or a portion of the settlement.
If you have concerns about your health and safety, we invite you to call a New York product liability lawyer who is working on the case to explore your legal options during a free consultation. Please fill out the Neutrogena sunscreen class action lawsuit intake form and we will contact you soon.
