Technology

P&G recalls hair products over traces of cancer-causing chemical

p g - P&G recalls hair products over traces of cancer-causing chemical

NEW YORK: Procter & Gamble (P&G) has issued a voluntary recall of nearly three dozen of its aerosol hair products after recent reports that indicated traces of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical.

The company said on the website of the US Food and Drug Administration that it has begun a full review of its aerosol products under the Aussie, Herbal Essences, Pantene and Waterless brands.

It is the second massive product recall the Cincinnati-based company has issued this year, citing concerns over the presence of benzene, a human carcinogen linked to leukemia, in its products

Previously discontinued aerosol dry shampoo products from its Hair Food and Old Spice brands were 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 sprays,” P&G said.

Benzene is a colourless chemical that evaporates when it is exposed to air. It is classified as a human carcinogen, which, according to the American Cancer Society, can result in leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow, as well as life-threatening blood disorders.

According to FDA, exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening. 

Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources.

However, the FDA said that to date, the Procter & Gamble Company has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall and is conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution.

P&G said, “Daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.”

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