Unilever Plc has recalled popular brands of aerosol dry shampoo, including Dove, after discovering they were contaminated with a chemical called benzene that can cause cancer. The recall also covers brands such as Nexxus, Suave, Tresemmé and Tigi, which makes Rockaholic and Bed Head dry shampoos.
About Dry Shampoo
- Dry Shampoo is a product in powder or spray form that you can use to clean hair without wetting it.
- As per Cleveland Clinic, these alcohol or starch based sprays removes the grease and oils from the hair and adds volume.
- Some dry shampoo have aerosol spray while some have tinted powder to match hair color.
Benzene
- As per CDC, Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable.
- Benzene is formed from both natural processes and human activities. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires.
- Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals that are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers.
- Benzene is also used to make some types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.
- Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions.
- The benzene in indoor air comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents. The air around hazardous waste sites or gas stations can contain higher levels of benzene than in other areas.
- The major effect of benzene from long-term exposure is on the blood. Benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.
