Banana Boat Recalls Hair and Scalp Sunscreen Over Low Levels of Carcinogen

“No other Banana Boat products are in the scope of this recall and may continue to be used by consumers safely and as intended,” the F.D.A. said.

Benzene is not an ingredient in any Banana Boat product, but it is part of the propellant that sprays the sunscreen out of the can, the F.D.A. said. Retailers were told to remove the products from shelves. The sunscreen had been sold online and in stores.

“Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally and through the skin,” the administration said, “and it potentially can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders, which can be life-threatening.”

Low levels of benzene can be found in products such as plastics and detergents, as well as at gas stations and in the air through tobacco smoke, motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Benzene causes cells to work incorrectly and can damage the immune system.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/31/business/banana-boat-sunscreen-recall.html