Johnson & Johnson embroiled in a fresh class action lawsuit surrounding its Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo. The lawsuit alleges that this popular product contains benzene, a proven human carcinogen. Spearheaded by plaintiff Jordan Eisman, the legal action claims that independent testing has revealed the presence of benzene in various concentrations within the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo.
According to the lawsuit, the testing results indicate that the regular version of the coal tar shampoo contains between 0.82 parts per million (ppm) and 1.49 ppm of benzene, while the extra strength variant contains an alarming 4.36 ppm of the carcinogenic substance. The lawsuit asserts that coal tar shampoo products should not contain any amount of benzene. In fact, the filing draws attention to recent recalls of sunscreen products due to benzene levels reaching up to 2 ppm, emphasizing that the levels found in coal tar shampoo products are equal to or even greater than those in the recalled sunscreens.
Benzene, a solvent commonly found in petroleum, primarily serves the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified benzene as a human carcinogen, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges that it is a known cause of cancer in humans. The Neutrogena class action lawsuit further highlights that benzene can lead to various side effects, including vomiting, stomach irritation, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, tissue injury, bone marrow damage, decreased red blood cells, anemia, irregular menstrual cycles, low fertility, and excessive bleeding.
The Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo does not disclose benzene as an ingredient, nor does it provide any warning to consumers regarding its presence. The lawsuit argues that manufacturers, such as Johnson & Johnson, have a responsibility to minimize or eliminate benzene from their coal tar shampoo products.
