Sunscreen is one of the most popular ways to protect your skin and block the ultraviolet radiation associated with skin damage. Many people use sunscreen while outside in an effort to protect themselves against cancer. Although we rely on these products to prevent injuries, there are cases where people have suffered negative consequences from using products that were advertised as being safe and effective.
Recently, evidence has been found that linked sunscreens containing benzene, a toxic chemical that is a known carcinogen to humans, and the potentially increased risks of developing skin cancer. What is even more shocking is that dozens of commonly used sunscreens tested positive for having this harmful chemical. If you have used sunscreen with benzene and you were diagnosed with cancer, you may have legal options available for you. It is crucial that you reach out to our law firm immediately.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Edelstein, Martin & Nelson are currently evaluating claims from potential clients who were diagnosed with cancer after using sunscreen that contained benzene.
Sunscreen is generally regarded as a safe product that protects the skin against the sun’s harmful rays. However, studies have found that sunscreens containing the chemical benzene can cause cancer. Although there have been no specific studies performed regarding sunscreens containing benzene and cancer, constant exposure to benzene can dramatically increase a person’s risk for developing cancer, even when the exposure is made at low levels.
These new findings suggest that people who use sunscreens with this chemical may be unknowingly increasing their risk of developing skin cancer or other types of cancer, such as lymphoma, myeloma, and even leukemia.
Benzene is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as being carcinogenic to humans. The Food and Drug Administration regulations sunscreens and considers them to be drugs. The FDA also classifies benzene as a class 1 solvent. The FDA strongly advises against the use of benzene and does not believe it should be used in the manufacturing of any drug substances or products.
When people apply sunscreen that contains benzene on their skin, the body absorbs this chemical. The benzene then enters the bloodstream, where it can lead to the development of cancer. The IARC has found that exposure to benzene is linked to multiple myeloma, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
If you have used a sunscreen containing benzene, and you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to file a sunscreen cancer lawsuit. Contact our law firm immediately to see if you qualify.
Research from Valisure found that there are many popular brands of sunscreen that contain Benzene. Some of these brands include:
- Aveeno
- Babyganics
- Banana Boat
- Coppertone
- CVS Health
- EltaMD
- Equate
- Everyday
- Fruit of the Earth
- Goodsense
- LaRoche-Posay
- Max Block
- Neutrogena
- Raw Elements
- Solimo
- Sun Bum
- SunBurnt
- TopCare
- Up & Up
- Walgreens
The test performed by Valisure involved more than 300 unique batches of sunscreen from dozens of brands offered for sale in the United States. Out of the total batches, more than 78 products contained benzene, including at least 26 products with levels between 0.1 parts per million and 2 parts per million. More than 14 products contained more than 2 parts per million. Even levels as low as 0.1 ppm can expose users to exceedingly high nanogram amounts of Benzene, which can have life-altering consequences.
There are several types of Neutrogena sunscreen that are found to have varying levels of benzene. These include:
- Beach Defense Oil-Free Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100
- Beach Defense Spray Body Sunscreen SPF 50
- Invisible Daily Defense Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
- CoolDry Sport Water-Resistant Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 and SPF 70
- Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and SPF 45
- Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 70
- Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70 and SPF 100+
The company that owns Neutrogena, Johnson & Johnson, has recently issued a voluntary recall of some of the sunscreen products they offer on the Neutrogena line. This recall was made in response to the testing results found by Valisure. Johnson & Johnson said that benzene is not an ingredient they include in any of their products. However, they issued a recall out of an abundance of caution.
If you have used these or any other sunscreen products containing benzene and you were diagnosed with cancer, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights. Contact our team at the Law Office of Edelstein, Martin & Nelson as soon as possible to schedule a free case evaluation with our team.
We choose sunscreen as a tool to help prevent skin cancer – not to cause it. There are many questions surrounding why benzene is included in sunscreen. How did this harmful chemical end up in sunscreen? Did the manufacturers know? Should the manufacturers have known that their products contained this chemical or potentially other harmful chemicals that can cause skin cancer? No one should be forced to suffer as a result of using a product they depend on for safety. If you have been diagnosed with cancer after the use of a benzene-containing sunscreen, you must act quickly.
The lawyers at the Law Office of Edelstein, Martin & Nelson are dedicated to helping injured parties with handling even some of the most complex mass tort claims. We fight to help our clients get justice for the pain and suffering they have been forced to endure. Our personal injury team begins working immediately on cases for our clients so we can help them have the strongest and most efficient and effective evidence to present while demanding justice on their behalf.
If you were injured as a result of using sunscreen, contact our personal injury attorneys today by calling (302) 504-4815. Our team is available to meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss the legal options available for you.
