07.16.21
Multiple law firms have filed class actions against Johnson & Johnson on behalf of purchasers of certain Aveeno and Neutrogena sunscreens that have dangerous and unacceptable levels of the known cancer-causing chemical, benzene.
Benzene, which is often found in crude oil and identified by the smell associated with gasoline, is classified as a human carcinogen by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and a Group 1 compound (i.e. “carcinogenic to humans”) by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The Complaints Against J&J
The plaintiffs’ complaint alleges that Johnson & Johnson failed to include labeling that the sunscreens may contain benzene as an active or inactive ingredient, rendering the products adulterated, misbranded and unlawful for sale. The complaint also alleges that Johnson & Johnson’s conduct caused economic damages to the plaintiffs, who relied on the ingredient list and advertising to decide whether to purchase the sunscreen.
On July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson admitted the products were unfit to sell due to unsafe levels of benzene, in a voluntary recall of five aerosol sunscreens. Johnson & Johnson has recalled all lots of these five products.
“Johnson & Johnson continued to market these sunscreen products as safe and healthy for consumers after being alerted to dangerous levels of a known, cancer-causing chemical,” commented Keller Lenkner Partner Warren Postman. “Companies that knowingly sell cancer-causing products to the public should face serious consequences for their actions, and we will pursue all available remedies for consumers who were injured by Johnson & Johnson’s disregard for public health.”
"When these kinds of safety failures occur, the American public deserves a swift and transparent accounting of what happened and what is being done to ensure it doesn't happen again," added Beasley Allen attorney David Byrne. "Johnson & Johnson's response falls far short of that."
Of course, this is not the first time Johnson & Johnson has been accused of covering up a cancer-causing ingredient in one of its products. Last year, the company was ordered to pay $750 million in punitive damages to four cancer victims who charged that the company's baby powder contained cancer-causing asbestos.
Benzene, which is often found in crude oil and identified by the smell associated with gasoline, is classified as a human carcinogen by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and a Group 1 compound (i.e. “carcinogenic to humans”) by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The Complaints Against J&J
The plaintiffs’ complaint alleges that Johnson & Johnson failed to include labeling that the sunscreens may contain benzene as an active or inactive ingredient, rendering the products adulterated, misbranded and unlawful for sale. The complaint also alleges that Johnson & Johnson’s conduct caused economic damages to the plaintiffs, who relied on the ingredient list and advertising to decide whether to purchase the sunscreen.
On July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson admitted the products were unfit to sell due to unsafe levels of benzene, in a voluntary recall of five aerosol sunscreens. Johnson & Johnson has recalled all lots of these five products.
“Johnson & Johnson continued to market these sunscreen products as safe and healthy for consumers after being alerted to dangerous levels of a known, cancer-causing chemical,” commented Keller Lenkner Partner Warren Postman. “Companies that knowingly sell cancer-causing products to the public should face serious consequences for their actions, and we will pursue all available remedies for consumers who were injured by Johnson & Johnson’s disregard for public health.”
"When these kinds of safety failures occur, the American public deserves a swift and transparent accounting of what happened and what is being done to ensure it doesn't happen again," added Beasley Allen attorney David Byrne. "Johnson & Johnson's response falls far short of that."
Of course, this is not the first time Johnson & Johnson has been accused of covering up a cancer-causing ingredient in one of its products. Last year, the company was ordered to pay $750 million in punitive damages to four cancer victims who charged that the company's baby powder contained cancer-causing asbestos.
