Johnson & Johnson Go off Shelves : Carcinogen Found In Products.

Johnson & Johnson, the global player in the consumer market, is withdrawing its sunscreens & spray products from the market. The company voluntarily recalled 5 Neutrogena and Aveeno brand aerosol sunscreens & sprays after a sample got detected with low levels of benzene. The recall includes all sizes of cans, bottles, all levels of SPF levels from the nationwide stores. Various multinational pharmacies like Health CVS, Walmart, Walgreen Boots Alliance etc. have also been pulling back J&J's products from the stores.

The recall was initiated after a pharmacy called "Valisure'' found samples of cancer-causing chemical carcinogen benzene, followed by an internal test conducted by the J&J itself. Valisure, the independent laboratory tested around 294 batches of sunscreens from 69 different brands. It filed a petition with the Food & Drug Administration of America stating; that 78 of the skincare products were contaminated with benzene at a level higher than recommended. 

Out of the affected companies, J&J was the first to voluntarily call out the products. The affected products are: Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen. The company has also urged consumers to not use these products & asked to get a refund via calling the customer care centre at 1-800-458-1673. On Neutrogena's website, you may check the lot number, label, and expiration date of your Aveeno or Neutrogena sunscreen to see if it's affected.

What is Benzene & how is it harmful ?

 Benzene is a highly flammable chemical that is widely present in the environment. With enough exposure to skin, blood or organs it can affect our DNA & cause it to mutate leading to cancers like leukaemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can also damage the immune system and hinder cells from functioning properly. Whether a person inhales, ingests, or absorbs the chemical on their skin and clothing, it can cause harm. Feeling nauseous, having an irregular heartbeat or palpitations are common symptoms, as can be convulsions and, at very high levels, death.

J&J stated that the decision was made out of an "overabundance of caution," and that everyday exposure to benzene at such low levels would not be expected to create health problems. J&J will notify retailers to stop selling the products. The recall is another blow for the company, as it is already facing a string of lawsuits for its talc products, vaginal mesh implants and opioid painkillers.

Not just Jhonson & Jhonson, but there are ample no. of big brands that have harmful components in their products but keep it hidden for their profits. Major brands like Sun Bum, Neutrogena, Banana Boat, and CVS — were all found to contain unsafe levels of carcinogenic benzene, according to Valisure's test.

Some sunscreen ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream, according to a 2020 study by scientists at the FDA, which also regulates sunscreens as cosmetic products. These ingredients should be tested to see if they are safe. It also suggested a rule compelling sunscreen manufacturers publish extra information on their products' active components.

All of this uncertainty may leave consumers unsure of what to do, and experts are concerned that some might leave the use of sunscreens completely. But, experts warn that's an even worse idea. Melanoma, one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer, has been on the rise globally for decades. Despite improving survival rates, melanoma is still the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. It's always a great choice to use common sense practices to protect your skin from harmful rays. Wear long shorts, pants, full-sleeved shirts and hats to help block destructive rays and apply trusted sunscreens to exposed skin. Choosing wisely your time in the sun by avoiding the first intense rays between 10 a.m. & 4 p.m, seeking shade whenever possible can help prevent the harm.

We as consumers must be conscious of what we are paying for, even if we don't have much knowledge about the composition; we always have the internet by our side to seek the information. There are plenty of products available in the market to fool you but it's our responsibility to be Satark of our purchases.

STAY SMART & STAY SATARK ! 

    Blog by - kavita and Pranjal 🍁