In July 2022, Edgewell Personal Care Company issued a voluntary recall of several batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30 after internal testing found trace levels of benzene — a chemical known to cause cancer.

The affected sunscreen was sold nationwide, including in Louisiana, and packaged in aerosol spray cans commonly used at beaches, pools, and outdoor events.

While benzene was not intentionally added to the product, the company reported that contamination likely came from the propellant used in the spray.

Consumers were advised to stop using the product immediately and discard it.

Why Benzene Exposure Matters

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, particularly blood-related cancers.

These may include:

  • Leukemia
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Other bone marrow disorders

Even low levels of repeated exposure can raise concerns, especially when benzene exposure happens through everyday consumer products.

At Landry & Swarr, we’ve seen how toxic chemical exposure — including benzene — can affect workers and families across Louisiana.

How This Affects Louisiana Families

In a state like Louisiana, sunscreen is not optional — it’s part of daily life for many families.

From the Gulf Coast to backyard gatherings, aerosol sunscreens are widely used because they’re quick and convenient. That’s what makes recalls like this especially concerning.

When a product designed to protect your health may instead expose you to a harmful chemical, it raises important questions:

  • How did the contamination happen?
  • How long was the product on shelves?
  • Who may have been exposed?

While this recall involved specific batches, it highlights a broader issue: toxic exposure doesn’t always happen in obvious ways.

Benzene Exposure Goes Beyond the Workplace

Many people associate benzene exposure with industrial settings — refineries, chemical plants, or manufacturing jobs.

And in Louisiana, those risks are very real.

But exposure isn’t always limited to the workplace.

Consumer products, including sprays, solvents, and other aerosol items, have been the subject of recalls in recent years due to benzene contamination.

That means exposure can happen:

  • At home
  • At the beach
  • During everyday routines

This is especially important for families, where children and spouses may also be affected.

What to Do If You Have the Recalled Product

If you purchased Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30, check the lot numbers on the bottom of the can.

If your product is part of the recall:

  • Stop using it immediately
  • Dispose of it safely
  • Contact the manufacturer for reimbursement

If you experienced any unusual health symptoms, it’s important to speak with a physician.

How Landry & Swarr Helps Louisiana Families

At Landry & Swarr, we’ve represented Louisiana families facing serious illness linked to toxic exposure for decades.

Our work has focused on:

We understand the industries, the exposures, and the laws that shape these cases in Louisiana.

Most importantly, we understand what families are going through — and we’re here to help them navigate the next steps with clarity and care.

A Broader Reminder About Product Safety

This recall is one example, but it reflects a larger pattern.

When companies identify contamination after products reach consumers, it raises concerns about testing, oversight, and safety standards.

For Louisiana families, staying informed is one way to stay protected.

Call us today at (504) 299-1214 for a free consultation, or fill out our online form to get started.