Product Liability Lawsuits Filed After Finding Of Dangerous Chemicals In Dry Shampoos

As a consumer, you rely on products you purchase to be safe and free of any obvious defects. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It is not uncommon for potentially dangerous and defective products to endanger public health until a few brave victims finally come forward. Concern over a hazardous substance in dry shampoos is the latest example and has prompted a number of product liability lawsuits as a result.

Carcinogenic Substances Uncovered In Dry Shampoos  

Dry shampoo is a personal grooming product that can be found on many people’s shelves. Some rely on it more than others and consider it an easy hairstyling tool. Unfortunately, recent disclosures from a top dry shampoo manufacturer have made consumers question this practice.

According to an October 2022 news release by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Unilever issued a voluntary recall of dry shampoo aerosol products due to the potential presence of Benzene, which is a known human carcinogen. Exposure can happen due to inhaling the chemical while spraying the dry shampoo. While people are already exposed to benzene in the general environment, the high levels experienced by users of some dry shampoo products could increase the risk of leukemia, blood and bone marrow disorders, and other types of potentially life-threatening cancers.

Since the news release, independent laboratories have detected high levels of benzene in other dry shampoo products. To protect themselves, consumers are encouraged to take the following steps:

• Refer to the FDA’s list of affected products;
• Follow news reports, as more products are being added to the list;
• Immediately refrain from using dry shampoo that causes symptoms such as breathing problems, headaches, or excessive fatigue;
• Report any problems to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program, which helps in getting dangerous dry shampoos pulled from shelves.

Dangerous Personal Care Items Prompt Product Liability Lawsuits 

The current controversy over dry shampoos is not the first time a personal care item was discovered to contain potentially hazardous substances. Industry giant Johnston & Johnston has been the focus of lawsuits for several years after numerous users contracted ovarian cancer due to dangerous levels of asbestos in the company’s baby powder.

Unilever and Church & Dwight Co., which produces Not Your Mother’s and Batiste dry shampoos, are currently facing lawsuits for failing to disclose benzene in their products or warn consumers of obvious dangers. More are expected in the months to come. According to a November 3, 2022 Bloomberg report, an independent lab tested close to 150 batches from more than 24 different brands and found that 70 percent contained the carcinogen.

Concerned About Your Risk? Reach Out To Our Monterey Product Liability Lawyers

When dangerous or defective products put you at risk, reach out to The Allen Law Firm. We can review your case and advise you on your rights in filing a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. To request a consultation, call or contact our Monterey defective product lawyers online today.

Sources:

fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unilever-issues-voluntary-us-recall-select-dry-shampoos-due-potential-presence-benzene

fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda

news.bloomberglaw.com/class-action/church-dwight-unilever-sued-over-benzene-in-dry-shampoos