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Dozens of Pantene, Herbal Essences dry shampoo sprays recalled after carcinogen found

Procter & Gamble Co. on Friday recalled more than 30 aerosol spray haircare products after low levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen, were detected.

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The voluntary recall affects numerous dry shampoos and dry conditioners, including assorted Pantene, Herbal Essences, Hair Food, Old Spice and Aussie products.

A full list of recalled products - including the affected production code numbers - is available on the company’s website. They were sold by retailers nationwide.

According to the company, recent reports indicating trace levels of benzene were present in some aerosol spray products prompted a review of P&G’s “total portfolio of aerosol products.”

“While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our products, our review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can. We detected benzene in aerosol dry shampoo spray products and aerosol dry conditioner spray products, the company stated.

The affected products were found to contain benzene, which can result in cancers - including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow, as well as certain life-threatening blood disorders - if inhaled, consumed orally or absorbed through the skin.

The company has not fielded any reports to date of adverse events related to the recall, noting that the measure was taken “out of an abundance of caution.”

“The vast majority of our products are not part of this recall, including mousses, hairsprays, liquid shampoos, liquid conditioners, styling products, treatments, and unaffected aerosol dry shampoo sprays,” the company stated.

Consumers are advised to stop using and appropriately discard the affected products immediately.