P&G Recalls Shampoo, Conditioners In US Due To Concerning Levels Of Cancer-Causing Chemical

P&G has alerted retailers and asked them to remove those products from shelves

Customers who purchased any of these products are advised to stop using them, said P&G. Image: Getty

New Delhi: Procter & Gamble (P&G) has issued a voluntary recall of more than 30 aerosol spray products, including dry shampoo and dry conditioner in the US, because of concern over the levels of benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer.

The company in a release said that P&G also recalled certain Old Spice and Secret aerosol spray antiperspirants and Old Spice “Below Deck” spray products last month due to the presence of benzene. P&G began to review the rest of its aerosol products after the initial recall and found “unexpected levels” of benzene from the propellant that sprays the product out of cans, according to a statement on Friday.

Products under the Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Hair Food, and Waterless brands are also included in the recall.

“The vast majority of our products are not part of this recall, including mousses, hairsprays, liquid shampoos, liquid conditioners, styling products, treatments, and unaffected aerosol dry shampoo spray,” P&G said.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the US through retail outlets and online. P&G has alerted retailers and asked them to remove those products from shelves.

Customers who purchased any of these products are advised to stop using them and throw them away. They can get check the affected brands’ websites to learn more about how to receive reimbursement.

“The vast majority of our products are not part of this recall, including mousses, hairsprays, liquid shampoos, liquid conditioners, styling products, treatments, and unaffected aerosol dry shampoo sprays,” P&G said.

What Is Benzene?
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers, including leukaemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders. Based on exposure modelling and the cancer risk assessments published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.