A popular sunscreen brand has issued a nationwide recall over fears that some of its products aimed at children contain a potentially cancer-causing ingredient.
Babyganics, which is based out of Westbury, New York, has recalled lots of its kids SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen in a ‘totally tropical scent’, in both rollerball and spray formats.
The risk level of the recall has been classified as a ‘Class II’, meaning ‘it may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.’
It is not clear what ‘potential impurity’ was discovered in the sunscreen, but the company states that it ‘does not meet our quality standards.’
One of the most common contaminants that results in sunscreens getting recalled is benzene.
Exposure to the chemical is linked to leukemia and blood cancers.
Consumers have been warned to stop using the compromised products immediately and to return them to the point of sale. Likewise, retailers have been instructed to return any unsold stock.
Babyganics – a brand beloved by a host of celebrities from actress Nikki Reed to Shakira – says no other products are affected by the voluntary recovery, and ‘you can continue to use them with confidence’.
Babyganics, which is based out of Westbury, New York, has recalled lots of its kids SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen in a ‘totally tropical scent’, in both rollerball and spray formats
The FDA says on its website regarding previous benzene recalls: ‘The health consequences of benzene exposure depend on the amount, route, and length of time of exposure, as well as age and preexisting medical conditions of the product user.
‘For example, even with daily use of the recalled benzoyl peroxide acne products for decades, the risk of a person developing cancer because of exposure to benzene found in these products is very low.’
The chemical is often found in glues, rubbers, synthetic fibers and other materials.
Occupational exposure is most common, according to a 2010 report, with many who work in manufacturing inhaling the chemical regularly.
People who live near factories or processing plants that use benzene may also be exposed in the environment.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) warns that cigarette smoke and car emissions are also sources of exposure.
While small, occasional exposures are not overly worrisome, the NCI warns the chemical can lead to the development of leukemia and other blood cancers, along with other blood-based diseases such as anemia.
The chemical can cause cells in a person’s bone marrow to stop working properly – changing the way the body produces red blood cells in a way that causes cancer.
Some sunscreens from other brands have previously been recalled because of benzene contamination. Exposure to the chemical is linked to leukemia and blood cancers (stock image)
Around 60,000 cases of leukemia are diagnosed each year, causing more than 20,000 deaths.
Despite potential contamination risks, experts still advise a person to wear sunscreen when spending long periods of time outdoors.
Unprotected prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can lead to the development of skin cancer and other conditions.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Babyganics’ parent company, SC Johnson, for comment.
