Proctor & Gamble has recalled some of their conditioners and dry shampoos since they contain benzene- a chemical that causes cancer. Some of the impacted sprays include Aussie, Pantene, and Herbal Essence. Each of these products was being produced in the U.S. Initially, the company discontinued the aerosol dry shampoo products from the Old Spice segment.
Each of the affected products was packaged in aerosol cans. The consumers were advised to stop using these products and discard them. Proctor & Gamble has six brands, and there are 19 dry shampoo and 13 dry conditioner spray products being recalled. The rest of the products haven’t been affected, and that is why they haven’t been recalled.
Read More »The firm has decided that they will test all the aerosol products after the reports that the aerosolized products contain benzene and antiperspirant sprays were among them. What matters most is the safety of the consumers that use the products. It is also good to pay close attention to the quality of the products sold to consumers.
To date, Proctor & Gamble hasn’t received reports about adverse events related to the recall of the conditioners and dry shampoos. The recall is all about exercising caution.
About Benzene
Benzene is a colorless chemical. At room temperature, it is light yellow; CDC has issued these reports. Benzene has a pleasant smell, and it is also highly flammable.
Benzene evaporates fast into the air, and it can dissolve into the water slightly. The chemical is formed from natural processes such as forest fires and volcanoes. The information is credible, and the CDC issues it. It’s also part of cigarette smoke, gasoline, or crude oil.
Benzene can make different products such as plastics, synthetic fibers, and nylon. It also makes different types of rubbers, lubricants, detergents, dyes, pesticides, and drugs.
Why Is Benzene Hazardous?
At a certain level, Benzene will prevent the cells from working well. The chemical compound can prevent the bone marrow from producing enough blood cells, and you will suffer from anemia eventually. Your immune system will also be damaged in the process, considering the antibody levels in the blood will change, and you’ll lose the white blood cells.
When you’re exposed to Benzene for long (for at least one year), you’ll be at the risk of developing leukemia- this is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. The chemical has also been classified as a carcinogen by WHO (World Health Organization). It means there is strong evidence that showcases benzene usually causes DNA damage, among other bodily changes that will lead to cancer.
How Does Benzene End up in Conditioners and Dry Shampoo?
Benzene isn’t an ingredient found in conditioners and dry shampoos. Proctor & Gamble has noted that the benzene levels are unexpected, and it comes from the propellant that sprays the products out of the cans.
According to certain professionals, Benzene usually ends up in these products during the manufacturing process.
Is There Any Need to Worry About These Products?
There is no need to panic. As for Benzene, it needs to reach a certain level for you to suffer from cancer. If the exposure is low, you won’t have cancer. At a certain level, it might cause cancer.
Proctor & Gamble has echoed these sentiments, and they have said that with reference to exposure modeling and cancer risk assessments that have been published by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). If you’re exposed to Benzene daily when using each of the recalled products at the levels that have been detected during the testing phase, there is no need to worry about any health consequences.
When using these products are used the way they’re supposed to, there is a high likelihood that you’ll have clean hair. Given that you’re spraying around the head, you’re at the risk of inhaling Benzene. The CDC has issued a stern warning that when you breathe in high Benzene levels, you’ll develop specific symptoms for some hours, including:
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Tremors
• Death (when you’re exposed to high benzene levels)
• Unconsciousness
The amount of Benzene that you’re most likely to breathe in after spraying the conditioner or dry shampoo is minimal. As a result, you won’t be exposed that much. However, there is a likelihood that you’ll experience skin irritation when you’re exposed to Benzene, and it is dependent on the levels.
There is no need to panic for the people who have used these products initially. The recall has been done based on risk perception, and there is the need for Proctor & Gamble to ensure the risk has been minimized instead of waiting for the actual risks to take place.
Make Wise Decisions
It is important to look good; however, there is no need for your beauty to come before your health.
Until more information has been revealed, you need to carry out a background search and check the product labels for any warnings and ingredients while avoiding the use of products known to have chemicals that cause cancer.
If a product contains ingredients that you cannot pronounce, and you’ve never heard of any of the present ingredients, there is the need to seek more information and proceed with caution.
Final Thoughts
Proctor & Gamble has made the right decision to recall the products. As for the CDC, they’re doing a good job at ensuring the masses understand everything there is to know about Benzene. You should understand that Benzene is not an ingredient used when manufacturing conditioners and dry shampoos. Benzene is found in the plastic material that emits the conditioner or dry shampoo.
If you’ve been using the products by Proctor & Gamble, there is no need to worry as much. The Benzene levels that you have been exposed to so far cannot cause cancer. By recalling the products, Proctor & Gamble has ensured that the risk of cancer won’t unfold. It is also safe to continue using the other products that haven’t been recalled. Although beauty also matters, would you prioritize it over your health? Only a fool would do so! Also, treating some of these conditions will cost you hefty amounts that are incomparable to the amount you spent acquiring these beauty products. Ensure you make a wise choice at all times since you need to safeguard your health.
