Over 1.5 million bottles of dry shampoo recalled in Canada due to possible cancer risks

Over 1.5 million bottles of dry shampoo recalled in Canada due to possible cancer risks
Health Canada

Millions of bottles of dry shampoo sold in Canada have been recalled due to the detection of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer.

Health Canada on Tuesday recalled 1,574,426 Unilever products, including Bed Head, Dove and Tresemmé dry shampoos, packaged in aerosol cans and sold nationwide between January 2020 and October 2022.

As of Oct. 7, no incidents or injuries related to the use of the products have been reported in Canada, according to the agency in a recall notice.

Still, it urges consumers to immediately stop using the recalled products and dispose of them appropriately, following the instructions as labelled on the packaging.

That’s because exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and can lead to leukemia and blood cancer, as well as life-threatening blood disorders.

“Based on exposure modelling and the cancer risk assessments published by the Environmental Protection Agency, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences,” Health Canada said.

The products, manufactured in the USA, were distributed across Canada through retail outlets and online, and Unilever on Monday said retailers have been notified to remove recalled products from shelves.

Health Canada says those affected can contact Unilever for reimbursement, visit the company’s website for more information and report any health or safety incidents via its online form.

Affected products include:

 

Ethan MorneauEthan Morneau

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