P&G SETTLES AEROSOL CONTAMINATION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN THE U.S.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has reached a settlement in order to end the potential avalanche of class action lawsuits alleging that it sold aerosol deodorants under various brand names that contained a cancer-causing chemical. P&G and several plaintiffs who had filed lawsuits against the manufacturer have filed a joint notice in an Ohio federal court announcing that they have reached a settlement agreement.

In early November, the independent testing pharmacy Valisure published a report confirming that it had found high levels of benzene in Old Spice, Secret, Suave and Tag deodorants and body sprays and that the affected companies have been recalling a number of aerosols and cosmetic products due to the presence of the chemical. Exposure can occur by inhalation, orally and through the skin and can result in cancers such as leukemia and bone marrow cancer, as well as some life-threatening blood disorders.

Benzene contamination can occur during the manufacturing process, which means that the chemical is not listed as part of the official ingredients, leaving consumers in the dark. Exposure to benzene has been linked to a number of adverse health effects, including blood disorders and cancers such as leukemia.