ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Attention beachgoers: Johnson & Johnson has recalled five of its popular Aveeno and Neutrogena aerosol sunscreens due to low levels of benzene, which has been linked to cancers such as leukemia.
On local beaches, sunscreen is a necessity for most people, especially in the summer months. Beachgoers reach for their favorite product knowing it exists to protect them, so when the popular brands were suddenly pulled from shelves, some wondered if anything is really safe.
“They tell you that if you don’t use sunscreen you’ll get cancer, then you use sunscreen and they tell you that product may give you cancer. I feel like I should just start smoking again, seems like I’m getting cancer no matter what,” said Jim Ayers of Cincinnati, Ohio who is visiting the Island with his family.
The five Johnson & Johnson products being recalled are: Neutrogena Beach Defense, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport, Neutrogena Invisible Daily, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreens. J&J said it doesn’t use benzene in the manufacturing of the spray sunscreens and is investigating the cause of the contamination.
J&J has not released any information regarding how much benzene was found in the recalled products, but did say that levels were very low and no health issues were expected. Whether or not use of these products has resulted in serious health issues for consumers remains to be seen, but multiple class-action lawsuits are already being heavily marketed on TV, radio, print and social media.
