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P&G to Pay $8 Million for Benzene Contaminated Products

Have you previously purchased Procter & Gamble aerosol products? You may be entitled to a refund through P&G’s recent settlement. Last year, personal care and hygiene product manufacturer P&G recalled several aerosol shampoos, deodorants, and body sprays. The company initiated the recall after discovering traces of the cancerous chemical benzene within its items. P&G has agreed to pay an $8 million settlement to resolve claims that its products contained the carcinogenic contaminant. 

Benzene Identified in Several Consumers Products 

Procter & Gamble’s sweeping recall in December 2021 was not the first time testing revealed levels of benzene in popular consumer goods. Earlier that year, in May 2021, a study discovered high levels of benzene in over 70 sunscreen products. The FDA limits the concentration of benzene to 2 ppm. However, several brands possessed levels three times the agency’s specifications, prompting multiple recalls.

Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, and Edgewell Personal Care Company are just a few prominent names to have issued recalls over benzene-related issues. Many speculate that the heart of the problems lies with the propellant used in these aerosol products. While benzene is not an intended ingredient, it can adhere to the propellants that dispense the products from the spray canister. 

Prolonged exposure to unsafe levels of benzene may result in various forms of cancer, such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In addition to cancer, research has also linked benzene exposure to blood disorders since the chemical reduces red blood cell levels. 

$8 Million Settlement for P&G Benzene Recall

On December 17, 2021, Procter & Gamble joined the growing list of manufacturers that withdrew products due to benzene. The recall included aerosol dry conditioner and dry shampoo spray products from Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Old Spice, Hair Food, and Waterless produced in the U.S. P&G distributed the affected products nationwide in retail stores and online. 

Nearly a year later, the company announced it will refund impacted consumers through an $8 million settlement. This settlement will benefit customers who purchased the products manufactured between November 4, 2015, and December 31, 2021. Consumers can submit a claim by January 26, 2023, to collect a cash payment or voucher between $3.50 and $10. The amount depends on the brand and type purchased, but one can recover a maximum of $10.50 cash or up to three vouchers for the same P&G aerosol products purchased.