Due to the presence of a cancer-causing ingredient, Procter & Gamble announced on Friday (Dec 17) that it was voluntarily recalling some hair care products from its Pantene and Herbal Essences brands sold in the United States and Canada.
The recall also includes some products from its Aussie and Water.
The consumer goods giant said certain aerosol dry conditioners and shampoos from the brands as well as some discontinued items from Old Spice and Hair Food brands, had a human carcinogen called benzene.
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Information everyone should watch out for
Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally and through the skin. It can result in cancers including leukemia, a blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening, P&G said.
P&G added it had not received any reports of adverse events related to the recall. The company had distributed the products in the United States through retail outlets and online mediums.
Earlier this year, USÂ pharmacy chains pulled Johnson & Johnson’s sunscreen products off their shelves after J&J said it had detected benzene in some samples.
The Cincinnati-based consumer goods giant says it detected traces of benzene in aerosol dry conditioner and dry shampoo products from Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences and Waterl<ss.
It also found trace elements in some previously discontinued Old Spice and Hair Food aerosols.
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Exposure to benzene can lead to cancers like leukemia and blood disorders
P&G says it hasn’t received any reports of problems related to the products and is recalling them out of an abundance of caution.
The company says it checked its products following recent reports of benzene showing up in other aerosol spray goods.
Retailers have been notified to remove the recalled products from shelves. The brands are offering reimbursements for eligible products.
Reuters with additional input by GVS