Aerosol Sunscreens Recalled Due to the Presence of Benzene

Several weeks ago, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about the voluntary recall of several sunscreens after tests identified low levels of benzene in some samples of the products. All the recalled sunscreens come in an aerosol format and were distributed nationwide through retail channels. Consumers have been advised to stop using the affected products.

While benzene is not an ingredient in these sunscreen products, according to the manufacturer, it ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume in the United States, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Benzene has many applications and can be used to make other chemicals, which are then used to make plastics, resins, and nylon, or other synthetic fibers. It is also used to make some types of rubber, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Benzene is also a component of crude oil, gasoline, and even cigarette smoke.

Inhaling very high levels of benzene can result in death, while high levels can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness. The major effect of benzene from long-term exposure affects the blood, causing harmful effects on the bone marrow which can cause a decrease in red blood cells. Long-term benzene exposure can also cause excessive bleeding and can impact the immune system, increasing the chance of infection.

“Benzene has also been classified as a carcinogen,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for benzene in drinking water and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set a permissible exposure limit in the workplace. At EMSL, our consumer products, industrial hygiene, and environmental laboratories offer benzene and other chemical testing services.”

EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about exposure risks to benzene that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/wqByUP13-Hk.

To learn more about consumer products, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, or other environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail