PROTECT&GAMBLE REACHES SETTLEMENT TO STOP LAWSUITS OVER ITS BENZENE AEROSOL SPRAYS
Corporate giant Procter & Gamble agreed to pay $8 million after reaching a settlement to resolve claims that its aerosolized products contain benzene, a known carcinogen. Consumers do not need to provide proof of purchase to benefit.
The Procter & Gamble agreement thus benefits consumers who purchased Secret, Old Spice, Pantene, Waterl<ss, Aussie, Herbal Essences or Hair Food antiperspirant, deodorant, body spray, shampoo or dry conditioner products between November 4, 2015 and December 31, 2021.
According to a class action lawsuit against P&G, aerosol products sold by the company’s brands were contaminated with benzene. Benzene forms naturally in volcanoes and forest fires and through synthetic products such as crude oil and gasoline production, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the chemical is used to make plastics and other synthetic products, benzene is a carcinogen associated with leukemia.
Also, P&G recalled several of its aerosol products in December 2021 due to benzene contamination, the plaintiffs note. Several class action lawsuits followed these recalls, alleging that consumers would not have purchased the products if they had known that the aerosol items would expose them to a known carcinogen. The plaintiffs in the consolidated case sought refunds for aerosol products purchased by P&G and compensation for false advertising.
P&G does not acknowledge wrongdoing, but agreed to a class action settlement to settle the charges for nearly $8 million. Under the terms of the Procter & Gamble settlement, class members may receive a cash payment based on the quantity of products they purchased and if they provide proof of purchase.
Each eligible product will result in $3.50 in cash or a coupon for the same product purchased. The value of the coupon varies by brand and type as follows: $5 for Old Spice Hair; $6 for Aussie; $7 for Old Spice, Secret Essences or Herbal; $9 for Pantene or Waterlss; and $10 for Hair Food. Those affected will be able to claim up to three products without proof of purchase for a maximum payment of $10.50 or applicable coupons.
