If you use dry shampoo or dry conditioner from Pantene, Herbal Essences, Aussie, Waterless or Old Spice, check this website to see if your product is listed. Proctor & Gamble recently recalled over 30 aerosol products from the market, due to the presence of benzene, a carcinogen. If you’ve used any of these haircare products, you’re entitled to a refund—and it would be smart to document your use, in case you suffer ill effects later.

Risks of benzene-laden products

Proctor & Gamble states, “Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening.”

The good news is that “daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in [Proctor & Gamble’s] testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.” Benzene is present in our daily environments. Proctor & Gamble have not yet received any reports of harm coming from product use, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Products liability and defective products

If any plaintiffs come forward claiming that the aerosols caused them to develop cancer, they may be eligible to file a products liability suit. Products liability is a type of personal injury and negligence claim. A plaintiff can sue on the basis of a manufacturing defect, design defect (an inherently unsafe product, even when used as intended) or failure to provide adequate warnings.

In this case, a plaintiff might sue on a design defect theory: the dry shampoos and dry conditioners were unsafe to use as directed because of the exposure to benzene. To prevail on that claim, they’ll need to show that the benzene exposure was responsible for their cancer or blood disorder. That can be a complicated task, especially if Proctor & Gamble’s claim that the trace amounts of benzene are lower than what we’re exposed to on a daily basis in our normal environment.

If, however, you believe you have a case, make sure to talk to a personal injury attorney. When defective products cause life-threatening disease and illness, you shouldn’t be expected to pay for complicated and expensive treatment. Your lawyer will review your claim and let you know whether you’re likely to prevail.

Injured by a defective product? Call an Ohio personal injury attorney today

Were you injured by a defective product, which has now been recalled? You might be eligible for compensation. If the manufacturers are responsible, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.483.2298 for a consultation.