Procter & Gamble (P&G) will pay out $8 million as part of a settlement to resolve claims that its aerosolized products contain benzene, Top Class Action reports. This follows the company's recall on these products in November 2021; at that time, the company had not received any reports of adverse events following the use of these products.
See related: P&G Detects Benzene in Antiperspirant and Body Sprays, Issues Recall
Several class action lawsuits followed these recall, claiming the consumers wouldn’t have purchased the aerosol products if they knew it could expose them to benzene, a known carcinogen. Plaintiffs in the consolidated case sought refunds for purchased P&G aerosol products and compensation for false advertising, the same source reports.
The settlement benefits consumers who purchased Secret, Old Spice, Pantene, Waterless, Aussie, Herbal Essences or Hair Food aerosol antiperspirant, deodorant, body spray, dry shampoo or dry conditioner products between Nov. 4, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2021.
As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously explained, benzene is classified as a human carcinogen and exposure to it can occur through inhalation, oral and skin and it could, depending on the level and extent of exposure, result in an increased risk of cancers and other blood disorders that can be life-threatening.
See archived: Benzene in Sunscreens Prompts FDA Citizen Petition, PCPC Responds
