BY GEORGE NAVA TRUE II
HAVING fun under the sun can be difficult nowadays because of the pandemic. But if you’re worried about sunburn and skin cancer, using sunscreen can help, especially if you go out at times when the heat is intense.
When selecting sunscreen, choose carefully. Some products are not that effective while others might harm you. Recently, Consumer Reports revealed that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) voluntary recalled five Aveeno and Neutrogena aerosol sunscreens in the United States after traces of benzene were found in some samples.
Sunscreens that were recalled
Recalled were four Neutrogena sunscreen versions, namely, Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen, and Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen. Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen was also recalled. The Washington Post said the recall comes at a bad time because of major heat waves affecting the country.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said benzene is a major part of gasoline and is often used as a solvent for rubber and waxes. This colorless or light-yellow fluid is highly flammable, has a sweet odor, and evaporates quickly into the air. Worldwide, benzene is widely used to make plastics, rubber lubricants, detergents, drugs, and pesticides, among others.
Consumer Reports said people are normally exposed to benzene via air pollution, cigarette smoke, and products like glue and paint. However, long-term and repeated exposure to benzene at high levels is bad since it can cause leukemia and other cancers. Symptoms of benzene exposure include dizziness and irregular heartbeat. High levels can lead to death.
While J&J said that benzene is not an ingredient in any of its sunscreens, The Washington Post said that the chemical was detected in some products. J&J is still investigating how the chemical appeared in the recalled products. In its statement, the company said it recalled the affected products out of caution. The recall affects all SPF levels and sizes.
Cancer-causing ingredient in contaminated sunscreens
J&J’s action comes after an independent laboratory found benzene in 78 sunscreens and after-sun products. The lab said traces of the chemical were found in both Neutrogena and Aveeno sprays and lotions. But J&J only recalled the five aerosols.
Dermatologists said this development should not give the public the impression that sunscreens are unsafe. These are needed to protect people from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays that cause premature aging and skin cancer. The problem with the affected products appears to be that of contamination and how this happened should be the focus of the investigation.
J&J notified the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the recall and warned consumers not to use the five sunscreen products mentioned. Consumer Reports added that you should throw these products away and inform your doctor if you are concerned with potential symptoms of benzene exposure.
In the country, J&J Philippines Inc. has also told the local FDA that it is recalling Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen which the company claims is the only questionable product available here. For details about the local advisory, visit https://www.fda.gov.ph/fda-advisory-no-2021-1846-product-information-safety-alert-on-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene/.
However, a quick check online revealed that Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen is still available at Lazada and Watsons while Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen can be ordered at Shopee. Let the buyer beware!
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National Press Club and Philippine Dental Association awardee George N. True II has written two bestsellers based on his popular column which has been running for almost 40 years. For questions about health, email georgenavatrue@yahoo.com./PN
