Several dry shampoos have been withdrawn from the market in the United States because they contain a carcinogenic substance.
- Many dry shampoos contain levels of benzene above the recommendations.
- This chemical increases the risk of cancer, especially leukemia.
- In case of exposure, it is recommended to talk about it with your attending physician.
They save time but could be dangerous. Several kinds of dry shampoos have been withdrawn from sale in the United States. They contain high levels of benzene, a carcinogen. But how do you know if the product you are using is dangerous? Specialists inHuntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utahtake stock.
Dry shampoos: products withdrawn from the shelves in the United States
According to a study by the Valisure laboratory, published last November, 70% of the dry shampoos tested contained high levels of benzene. “Some samples analyzed directly show that the spray product contained up to 170 times the dose limit determined by the Food and Drug Administration“, observed the authors in a communicated. Shortly before, the American organization had nevertheless recalled several brands, “because they contained benzene”, explain the authors of this new research. About twenty products are concerned, in particular those of the brand Dove, Nexxus or Sweet. But some people may still have some in their bathroom cupboards. “It would be helpful to check the product name, lot number and UPC code of your dry shampoos you have stored and get rid of any that contain benzene“, recommends Britton Trabert, epidemiologist at the Huntsman Institute.
Dry shampoo and cancer: what are the risks associated with benzene?
The risks associated with this product are known: “since 1979, benzene has been considered carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)“, recalls Rodney Handy, professor of medicine at the University of Utah. The substance increases the risk of leukemia, in particular there acute myeloid leukemia and the acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. “Most of what we know about benzene as a human carcinogen comes from individuals who have had long-term exposure to high levels of benzene, such as workers in the manufacture of chemicals that use benzene.“, develops Steven Lacey, chief of division of public health at the university of Utah.
Dry shampoo: how to limit the risks?
For now, the precise impacts of benzene, when it is present in dry shampoos, are still poorly understood. But the researchers recommend using other products, which do not contain it. “If you used the dry shampoos listed in the FDA recall before they were taken off the market, I advise you to tell your doctor.“, recommends Britton Trabert. Only a health professional can observe the possible effects of the product on your health and carry out additional analyzes if necessary.