Consumer Warning: High Levels of Cancer-Causing Benzene Found in Popular Skincare Products

McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC, (MLG) is investigating Valisure’s petition for a recall on skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide. The petition cites a study conducted by Valisure which claims benzoyl peroxide, when combined with other ingredients and heat, decays into benzene, a known carcinogen. This poses a significant health risk to consumers who rely on these products for their skincare and acne needs. The petition suggests consumers who use skincare products containing benzoyl peroxide may be at risk for developing cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and more. Some known products that include benzoyl peroxide include, but are not limited to: 

  • Proactiv 
  • Clearasil 
  • PanOxyl 
  • Products from Estée Lauder 
  • Products from Walmart, Target, and Walgreens 

These findings have far-reaching implications for consumers and regulatory agencies alike. The presence of benzene in skincare products may represent a fundamental instability in their formulation, leading to the generation of unacceptably high levels of benzene. Not only was benzene detected within skincare products themselves in this study, but it was also found to permeate the air surrounding these products, indicating a potential inhalation risk. Even under conditions mimicking typical handling and storage by consumers, such as exposure to higher temperatures, benzene levels reached alarming heights, posing a significant threat to public health.  

If you or a loved one developed cancer and currently owns skincare products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide, contact a Product Liability Attorney from MLG today to share your story!

The Dangers of Benzene

Extensive testing conducted by Valisure has revealed that on-market skincare products can contain over 800 times the FDA’s conditionally restricted concentration limit of benzene. This finding raises serious concerns about the safety and efficacy of these widely used acne treatment solutions. Classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), exposure to benzene has been linked to various forms of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. Inhalation or absorption of benzene through the skin can lead to acute and chronic health effects, including: 

  • Bone marrow damage 
  • Anemia 
  • Immune system suppression 
  • Reproductive disorders 

Long-term exposure to even low levels of benzene can have serious health consequences, making it imperative to minimize exposure wherever possible and to take swift action to address sources of contamination. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health risks associated with benzene exposure?

Exposure to benzene poses significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of developing various forms of cancer such as leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, benzene exposure can lead to acute effects such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea, as well as chronic effects like bone marrow damage, immune system suppression, and reproductive disorders. Given its classification as a known human carcinogen, minimizing exposure to benzene is critical to safeguarding personal health and well-being.

Benzene exposure can occur through inhalation of contaminated air, ingestion of contaminated water or food, or absorption through the skin. Sources of benzene exposure vary widely, ranging from industrial processes like petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing to everyday products such as gasoline, tobacco smoke, and certain household cleaners. Individuals working in industries where benzene is commonly used or produced may face heightened risks of exposure, but the general population can also encounter benzene in their daily lives, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention measures.

Long-term exposure to benzene, even at low levels, can have serious health consequences. Chronic exposure has been linked to the development of cancer, particularly leukemia and other blood-related cancers, as well as non-cancerous effects such as bone marrow damage, anemia, and immune system suppression. The cumulative effects of prolonged benzene exposure underscore the necessity of stringent regulations and proactive measures to limit exposure levels and mitigate associated health risks.

To minimize the risk of benzene exposure, individuals can take several proactive steps. These include avoiding tobacco smoke, using protective equipment and ventilation systems in workplaces where benzene is present, and opting for safer alternatives to benzene-containing products whenever possible. Additionally, adhering to safety guidelines and regulations established by regulatory agencies can help reduce the likelihood of exposure in various settings. By raising awareness about the dangers of benzene and advocating for stricter regulations and controls, individuals and communities can work together to create safer environments and mitigate the risks associated with benzene exposure.

How To Start Your Potential Case

Finding the right Product Liability attorney is crucial to ensuring you receive the appropriate legal representation and compensation for your case. Contacting the team of legal staff and Product Liability Attorney from MLG ensures that your interests will be represented if you are harmed by benzene-containing products. Here are five steps to help you contact a qualified attorney: 

  1. Step 1: Research and Gather Information – Before reaching out, gather all relevant information about your case. This includes details about the product and any other parties involved. Take note of the date, time, and type of product.
  2. Step 2: Visit the McCune Law Group Website – Navigate to the official MLG website. Look for a “Contact Us” or “Free Consultation” section. This is where you will find the necessary details to find a Product Liability Attorney from MLG.
  3. Step 3: Call or Complete the Form for Initial Consultation – Use the phone number provided or online form to contact our team of legal staff and Product Liability Attorneys. You may find it helpful to prepare a summary of your case before making the call or completing the form. This will ensure you provide essential details of the case efficiently.
  4. Step 4: Schedule a Free Consultation – Request a free consultation to discuss your case in detail. We offer free initial consultations to assess the viability of your case. During this meeting, you can share the specifics of your situation, ask questions, and get a better understanding of how our attorneys can assist you in a lawsuit.
  5. Step 5: Prepare for the Consultation – Before the scheduled consultation, organize all relevant documents and be prepared to articulate the details of your case clearly. This will help the team assess the merits of your case more effectively. During the consultation, feel free to ask any questions you may have about the legal process, potential outcomes, and our approach to product liability lawsuits.

Trial-Tested Lawyers with Decades of Experience

At McCune Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of consumers harmed by dangerous products. We have built our reputation in the Inland Empire and beyond as a premiere complex litigation firm because we have consistently won considerable verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. Our team has handled dozens of product liability cases where the recovery amount totaled over $1 million. If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects from benzoyl peroxide acne treatments or any other defective medication, our experienced team of attorneys is here to advocate for you.

Contact us today by completing our form or by calling (909) 345-8110 for a free confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.

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Counsel Richard McCune is licensed to practice only in the state of California.  The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, IL, MO, NJ, NY, and PA.  This information section is not intended to be a solicitation for services in states where it is forbidden for non-barred attorneys from advertising for services, and McCune Law Group does not have attorneys barred in that state. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys are not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state. 

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