No, Johnson & Johnson has a history of recalls. In November 2018, Johnson & Johnson recalled three products:

• Tylenol Arthritis Pain Extra Strength Caplet bottle because the tablets may be chipped or broken and therefore difficult to swallow
• Motrin Infant Drops because some bottles might have dropper tips that don’t work properly
• Benadryl Allergy Relief Children’s Syrup due to reports from consumers who tasted metal in product samples.

Benzene is an organic compound with two benzene rings linked at one end (C^), and it is used as a solvent for other substances, including rubber, paint, ink, plastics, and textiles. Scientists discovered it by accident in 1825 when they distilled coal tar.

Benzene is an irritant that can be toxic if inhaled or swallowed because it enters the bloodstream directly from the lungs and intestines. It has been found to cause cancer of the bladder, bone marrow (leukemia), eye sockets, kidneys, liver, and skin in animals and people who regularly work with benzene.

Johnson & Johnson’s sunscreen affected products by the benzene recall are as follows:

• Neutrogena Beach Defense Aerosol Sunscreen
• Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport Aerosol Sunscreen
• Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Aerosol Sunscreen
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Aerosol Sunscreen
• Aveeno Protect + Refresh Aerosol Sunscreen

Benzene is an organic compound found in the air due to incomplete combustion, such as cigarette smoke. It is also used to make other chemicals, including plastics, glues, or paints.

When benzene enters the body, it harms nearly every organ system – eyes (ocular), sockets, kidneys, liver, and skin- in animals and people who work with benzene regularly.

The effects include blood disorders, leukemia, or cancer of the lymphatic system; high levels may cause bone marrow death leading to aplastic anemia; lung damage from hypersensitivity pneumonitis or chemical pneumonia, where inflammation causes fluid accumulation around the lungs, which restricts breathing.

According to Johnson & Johnson officials, there have been no known cases in which someone has exhibited symptoms from using these recalled aerosol sunscreen product lines.

The company advises consumers who purchased any five impacted items should immediately stop using them and contact their physician if they experience adverse health consequences, such as skin irritation or burns resulting from this recall.

Symptoms of benzene poisoning include:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, sometimes with nausea and vomiting
• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Chronic exposure can lead to a gradual decline in liver function leading to jaundice (yellowing), enlarged veins on the skin (spider nevi), and enlargement of fatty tissue around the heart.

Symptoms may take months or years before they show up after repeated exposures. Continued prolonged exposure can, over time, result in leukemia (cancer). There is no known safe level for benzene.

Contact your local retailer for further instructions on how to return the sunscreen products, where they were purchased, and when. If you suspect you have symptoms from certain aerosol-recalled sunscreen products by Johnson & Johnson, you should see your physician.

According to The Food & Drug Administration:

“adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.”

• Complete and submit the report Online
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

It is difficult to say if you are at risk for adverse reactions or quality problems. If your health concerns have increased, please see a physician. The FDA recommends that all consumers stop using certain aerosol sunscreen products and contact Johnson & Johnson with any questions about their use.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated in an email interview:

If someone had used one of the recalled J&J Aveeno or Neutrogena spray-on beach defense aerosol sunscreen products over the past few days then yes, it would be reasonable to consult your healthcare provider.

If you have been injured or sickened due to daily exposure to Johnson & Johnson consumer recalled product, contact Ehline Law as soon as possible for help recovering damages and compensation.