Coppertone Recalls Aerosol Sunscreens Due to Benzene Presence
We as consumers use sunscreen in order to protect our bodies from harmful sun exposure, ultimately in order to prevent long-term damage, such as skin cancer. But what happens when the product that you’ve used to protect yourself contains a chemical which itself is classified as a human carcinogen? Unfortunately, this is the recent case with Coppertone aerosol sunscreens.
About the Recall
Coppertone recently voluntarily recalled several of their aerosol sunscreen products due to the discovery of benzene, a known human carcinogen, in these products. The recall notice was released by the FDA on September 30, 2021 and was for specific lots of five Coppertone aerosol sunscreen products, all of which were manufactured between January 10th to June 15th of 2021. These aerosol sunscreen spray products and their specific lots include:
- Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 – 5.0 oz (Lot# TN00CJ4, Lot# TN00BR2)
- Coppertone Pure & Simple Kids SPF 50 – 5.0 oz (Lot# TN00857, Lot# TN00CJV, Lot# TN00854, Lot# TN00855)
- Coppertone Pure & Simple Baby SPF 50 – 5.0 oz (Lot# TN009GH, Lot# TN0083K, Lot# TN0083J)
- Coppertone Sport Mineral SPF 50 – 5.0 oz (Lot# TN008KU, Lot# TN008KV)
- Travel-size Coppertone Sport Spray SPF 50 – 1.6 oz (Lot# TN00BU3)
Effects of Benzene
Benzene, an FDA classified human carcinogen, is a chemical that tends to affect the blood with prolonged exposure. The severity of the harmful effects from benzene poisoning often depend on the amount and length of exposure as well as the age and any pre-existing health conditions of the user.
The reason why benzene is so hazardous is that it causes cells to no longer work correctly. It can cause bone marrow to stop producing the appropriate amount of red blood cells, leading to anemia or a collapse in the immune system. In severe cases, benzene exposure can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and bone marrow blood cancer.
The chemical quickly evaporates into the air, making it easily inhaled, especially during application of aerosol products. According to the CDC, it can also be ingested and absorbed through the skin.
If a user is particularly sensitive to benzene, or if there has been prolonged use, there are a multitude of symptoms which could indicate benzene poisoning. These symptoms include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting
- Stomach irritation
- Skin irritation or injury
- Blood related cancers and illnesses
How to Take Action
If you have used any of the recalled products listed and have experienced any benzene-exposure related symptoms, Christian & Christian wants to help you to seek the damages you deserve. You should not have to pay for Coppertone’s negligence. As a company whose products are sold all throughout the country, it is their job to ensure that those products are safe for use before they ever reach consumers’ hands.
As we would want to prove a direct link between the use of the recalled products and your health concerns as best we can, it will be helpful for you to keep the recalled product as evidence. Documenting as many uses of the product and the frequency of that use while it is still fresh in your mind could also make for an easier process.
Let Christian & Christian Help
Most important is that you do not fight this battle alone. At Christian & Christian, we take your health very seriously. Just as seriously as we take the responsibility that manufacturers have to ensuring the well-being of their consumers, and seeing to it that they are held accountable for their errors.
Speak with a Christian & Christian representative today by calling (864) 408-8883. We will happily provide a free consultation to go over your case, and to see how we can best help.