Unilever Voluntarily Recalls Dry Shampoos Due to Potentially High Levels of Benzene


According to a statement issued by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States, the company Unilever United States has voluntarily recalled 19 dry shampoo products because there was a possibility that the products contained elevated concentrations of benzene, which is known to cause cancer. The statement also stated that the company recalled the products because there was a possibility that the products contained elevated concentrations of some other chemicals also. This was done because there was a chance that the products contained benzene in higher proportions than it should have for effective results.

Dry shampoos created before October 2021 and sold in aerosol form are being recalled as part of this action. Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TRESemmé, and TIGI were used to market and sell these aerosol dry shampoos.

Up to this point, there have been no reports of complaints or unpleasant incidents, and there is no way that these occurrences can be related to the product in any manner, shape, or form.

Benzene Causes Cancer in Humans

Carcinogenic substances, such as benzene and other hazardous compounds, are known to cause cancer, as stated by the American Cancer Society. Even though every molecule has the potential to cause cancer, the only ones that can be safely avoided are those that have been labelled as either "known" or "probable."

This chemical is not only found in its natural state, but it can also be found in manufactured products like crude oil and gasoline. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), benzene produces various products, including lubricants, detergents, dyes, and insecticides. This is correct, even though benzene has been associated with a higher risk of cancer.

Benzene can enter the body through various entry points, such as the lungs, the digestive tract, or the skin. People who continue to breathe in contaminated air for an extended period will eventually become tainted with the contamination. Even though people working in businesses that produce or use benzene may be at a greater risk of exposure, regular cigarette smoking is a source of benzene exposure. It is responsible for approximately half of all benzene exposure in the general population of the United States.

Health Issues from Recalled Products Are Not Anticipated

This material is dangerous because there is a risk of impairing the operation of cells. This may cause the disease known as anemia which prevents the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The presence of benzene in the environment has been linked to the development of various cancers, such as leukemia, a form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow, and other potentially fatal blood disorders.

The degree of danger that benzene poses to a person is determined by various factors, including the quantity of the chemical to which he is exposed, the amount of time he is exposed to it, age, and whether or not he already had any pre-existing medical issues.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that benzene in the recalled dry shampoos is not considered dangerous daily. These shampoos were recalled because they contained chemicals. By recalling the products, Unilever United States is "taking precautions," as the company puts it.

According to the company, an internal investigation was able to trace the benzene present in the said shampoo. The company is currently working with the providers to find a solution to the problem to address the benzene exposure. Simply pressing the valve on top of a can or bottle will cause the product to be forced via a tube inside the container and out the valve, allowing it to be used to make sprays and foams. It is benzene effect.

How to Respond if You Have Purchased a Recalled Dry Shampoo?

According to the information provided in the warning distributed on October 17, all recalled products were manufactured before October 2021. (a complete list of the recalled products is available published). This recall does not affect any other brands or products currently available to customers of Unilever manufactures.

Every establishment in the United States has requested that the recalled dry shampoo products be removed from their shelves immediately. The general population is required to stop making use of these items quickly.

If you have purchased an item that has since been withdrawn from sale due to health or safety concerns, you could have your money refunded. When purchasing many things, you must provide evidence of your purchase in the form of a receipt or a photograph of the lot code (typically located on the bottom of each package).

Checking the company website or calling the Unilever U.S. customer service line at 877-270-7412 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), Monday through Friday is the best way to register a claim and determine whether or not the product you bought is part of the recall.

If you or someone you know experiences severe side effects while using it, you should get in touch with the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program as soon as possible. You can do this by going to the FDA's website, writing a letter to their physical address, or faxing in a report. All of these options are available to you.

Visit the company's website or contact Unilever U.S. at 877-270-7412 between 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday to Friday, to find out if the product you purchased is included in the recall and how you can obtain compensation for the same.

You can get in touch with FDA via its website and fill a form provided there for any side effects, you may have suffered from. You can also call them at the number listed on the form. Users have access to these settings and choices. As per experts, it is a decision taken by the company very late as millions of people might have purchased the said shampoo and a few of them might have used also.

Updated on: 30-Jan-2023

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