New Study Finds Benzene In Many Dry Shampoos

Recently, an independent lab and healthcare research group discovered that the chemical benzene is in several dry shampoo brands. Benzene is known to cause cancer. Around 70% of the samples tested by the lab Valisure had elevated benzene levels and a few of these brands included benzene that was up to 170x the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limit of 2 ppm (PPM). If you developed cancer and suspect it was the result of using dry shampoo, please call the experienced Chicago based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in product liability lawsuits with which we’ve been involved.

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Valisure tested 148 batches from 34 brands of dry shampoo. These brands included Batiste, Sebastian, and Not Your Mother’s. Subsequently, the researchers petitioned the FDA asking the FDA to recall those products it found contained carcinogens through its study. Valisure also asked the FDA to update the guidelines for the regulation of benzene. Valisure CEO David Light commented that the detection of high levels of benzene and dry shampoo may be cause for significant concern because the dry shampoo is likely used inside where benzene could linger and be inhaled for prolonged periods. Lights also commented that independent testing is important in numerous personal care products; benzene has been detected in body spray, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen.

It is important to be aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that benzene is one of the leading 20 chemicals commonly used in production. Benzene is a colorless liquid with the sweet odor that evaporates into the air quickly, and it harms humans when they are exposed through inhalation Unfortunately, when a consumer is exposed for prolonged periods, he or she may lose red blood cells and develop anemia as well as leukemia, which is cancer of blood-forming organs.

Unilever, a manufacturer of personal care products, has voluntarily recalled some of its dry shampoo brands because of elevated levels of benzene in its dry shampoo products Bed Head, Suave, and Dove. The Valisure study determined that three batches from a single brand included benzene levels of more than 100 ppm. Three other brands included more than 20 ppm. A number of brands have levels between 2-20 ppm.

Valisure determined that prolonged exposure to even just one PBM of benzene can facilitate a consumer’s development of leukemia. One issue it raised is that products and raw materials in the global supply chain, widely relied upon, are not checked rigorously. Light suggested that adding independent testing and certification to the global supply chain could help consumers.

It may be appropriate to pursue damages if you developed cancer because of benzene-containing dry shampoo. Our lawyers may find it appropriate to assert manufacturing, design, and marketing defects, or some combination of these, in a product liability lawsuit. Generally, theories of liability used to recover damages vary by state, but can include breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, and strict liability.

Call an Experienced Chicago Dry Shampoo Attorney

If you were diagnosed with cancer and suspect that it was caused by your use of dry shampoo, give our seasoned Chicago-based lawyers a call. Moll Law Group advocates for injured consumers across the nation. Get in touch with us at 312.462.1700 or through our online form if you suspect you may have a claim.