Most of the recalls we cover here involve defective vehicles. In fact, earlier this week we released a massive list of car recalls. Tap or click here to find out if yours is on the list.
But sometimes food or personal products put your health at risk. Which leads us to ask how safe do you think it is to use dry shampoo? Most Americans don’t think twice when using this seemingly harmless product. That may have just changed.
Unilever, the maker of many of our favorite brands on the shelves, has officially recalled over a dozen aerosol-based dry shampoo products. Why? Benzene, a dangerous carcinogen, is the common denominator here. Here’s what you need to know.
Here’s the backstory
The convenience of dry shampoo is undeniable, but the Unilever recall proves that even the most innocuous household products can hide unseen dangers.
The recalled products on this list are due to the possible presence of benzene. Benzene is a human carcinogen and can cause cancer when exposed to large amounts. These products are not believed to contain large amounts of benzene, but are being recalled as a precautionary measure.
This product recall affects Unilever products in both the United States and Canada. The following products are affected by the voluntary recall:
- Dove dry shampoo volume and fullness.
- Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut.
- Dove dry shampoo fresh and floral.
- Dove Dry Shampoo Ultra Clean.
- Dove dry shampoo invisible.
- Dove Dry Shampoo Detox and Purify.
- Dove Dry Shampoo Clarifying Activated Charcoal.
- Dove Dry Shampoo Go Active.
- Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist.
- Nexxus Inergy Foam Shampoo.
- Suave Dry Shampoo Hair Freshener.
- Suave Professionals dry shampoo refreshes and invigorates.
- Tresemme Volumizing Dry Shampoo.
- Tresemme dry shampoo fresh and clean.
- Tresemme Pro Pure dry shampoo.
- Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Dry Shampoo.
- Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Volumizing Dry Shampoo.
- Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo.
- Bed Head Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo.
Thankfully, no customers have reported product-related complaints. The group took these products off the shelves as a precaution. If you have any of these products in your household, stop using them as soon as possible.
What’s the deal with benzene?
Benzene is used as a propellant in dry shampoo. When used indoors, spraying of benzene-rich products contaminates the home and has been shown to cause many health problems with frequent use.
Benzene itself is a pale, transparent substance that is incredibly flammable. Derived from crude oil, you can find it in goods made from resin, plastic, nylon, rubber and even pharmaceuticals, dyes, detergents and pesticides.
While benzene is a common compound in our modern world (it’s also present in cigarette smoke), it’s wise to minimize your exposure to the chemical whenever possible.
How to avoid toxic chemicals in household goods
Keeping your home safe and free from carcinogens like benzene isn’t always easy. Sometimes the dangerous stuff isn’t even in the product formula.
Some ways you can avoid bringing harmful compounds home with you are:
- Use home remedies like baking soda and vinegar instead of harsh cleaning products like bleach and other harsh chemicals.
- Go for BPA-free packaging, which is most relevant when shopping for groceries.
- Replace plastic and rubber in your kitchen with glass and metal utensils and containers.
- Just say no to Teflon and other brands of non-stick cookware.
- Go for the unscented alternative whenever possible (brands like Dove usually offer something unscented and hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin).
Air fresheners, hand sanitizers and other amenities can be expensive. Clean your home of things that could be making you and your family ill and of course stay up to date when it comes to product recalls like the one above.
Continue reading
You Can Buy Hearing Aids Over The Counter – Should You?
Take this free check so you don’t buy a STOLEN phone