Banana Boat has issued a recall for its Hair and Scalp Sunscreen after trace amounts of benzene were detected in three batches of the product. This recall is meant to protect people from unintentional exposure to the toxic chemical, which can make them seriously sick, or even kill people in high enough doses. Anyone who has one of the affected batches of sunscreen should cease use of them and discard them immediately.
What is Banana Boat?
Banana Boat is a brand of sunscreen manufactured by the Edgewell Personal Care Company, which was spun off from Energizer Holdings in 2015. The company manufactures, among other things, Banana Boat sunscreen, Edge shaving cream, Schick razors, and a number of other personal care products. Annually, the company makes an estimated $2.4 billion, and employs approximately 5,900 people.
Why Was the Recall Issued?
Banana Boat issued a recall for the following three lots of Hair and Scalp Sunscreen after they were found to have trace amounts of benzene:
- Lot Code 20016AF, Expiration Date December 2022
- Lot Code 20084BF, Expiration Date February 2023
- Lot Code 21139AF, Expiration Date April 2024
Benzene is a chemical that is a chemical that is both naturally occurring and which can be formed due to manmade activities. It is commonly found in substances like gasoline, crude oil, and cigarette smoke, and is sometimes used in certain industrial processes.
What is the Danger of Benzene Exposure?
Benzene is a highly toxic chemical that interferes with the functioning of blood cells, resulting in drowsiness, dizziness, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, tremors, and confusion. When exposed to benzene through the skin, eyes, or lungs, it can lead to irritation or damage of the exposed tissue. Over the long term, benzene can also interfere with a person’s ability to fight off infection, leading to a higher risk from infectious diseases. It has also been linked to cancer, including at least one type of leukemia. At higher dosages, it can lead to unconsciousness, and can even be fatal.
What Should You Do?
If you have one of the lots of Banana Boat Hair and Scalp Sunscreen listed above, you should dispose of it immediately. If you begin to experience any of the symptoms of potential benzene exposure, you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible to be formally diagnosed and to receive treatment. If you have been exposed to benzene, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling toxic exposure cases, who can help you to explore your potential legal options.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.