If You Have This Banana Boat Sunscreen Stop Using It Now Fda Warns
Summer beach days are the highlight of the season for many of us, but the extreme heat that has hit most parts of the country over the last couple weeks makes pleasant outdoor excursions that much more dangerous. With that in mind, it’s important to take the necessary precautions, including drinking lots of water, knowing the symptoms of heat stroke, and, of course, slathering sunscreen over every bit of exposed skin. Before you do so, however, you’ll want to be aware of a sunscreen recall attached to popular brand Banana Boat. Read on to learn which product you should toss instead of using.
Most Toxic Sunscreens To Avoid
Heres a big takeaway thatll make things somewhat less complicated. EWG recommends avoiding all spray sunscreens. Not only are they very difficult to apply effectiveness and evenly, but theres some concern the ingredients could potentially cause irreversible lung damage. The truth is, the ingredients just havent been tested in the aerosol capacity for long-term impact on human health, like so many other everyday chemicals, unfortunately.
And last year, spray sunscreens contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen, prompted a sunscreen recall of 14 popular products. Independent tested found that the problem is even widespread.
When it comes to sunscreens, here are some of the other worst overall offenders scoring in the Red Zone for major safety concerns. Overall, these products tested poorly in the EWG analysis and are considered bad choices for sun protection. Just remember, this list is not exhaustive. To check your favorite sunscreen or to peruse the database, .)
This is by no means a complete list. Be sure to check your individual products safety assessment at EWG.org.
Why Did Banana Boat Recall Sunscreens
This image provided by Edgewell Personal Care shows a Banana Boat brand scalp spray. The maker of Banana Boat sunscreen is recalling a scalp spray because it contains trace amounts of benzene, a chemical which can cause cancer with repeated exposure.
Edgewell Personal Care via Associated Press
Edgewell Personal Care Company, the makers of Banana Boat sun care products, have voluntarily recalled some batches of sunscreen after an internal review found traces of benzene in them.
Why it matters: Benzene is a known chemical carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer in humans.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause leukemia, cancer of the blood-forming organs.
What theyre saying: According to Banana Boats official site, the company announced the recall out of an abundance of caution.
- To date, Edgewell has not received any adverse events related to this recall … are advising consumers to stop using the affected product immediately and appropriately discard, the company said.
- Banana Boat says that benzene is not an ingredient used in its products. The trace amounts of benzene were caused by the propellant that distributes product in the packaging, according to the press release, NBC News reported.
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Are You Using The Best Sunscreens
A past EWG report cited research of Brian Diffey, PhD, emeritus professor of photobiology at the Institute of Cellular Medicine at Newcastle University. Hes shown that, on average, U.S. sunscreens allow about three times more UVA rays to transfer through skin compared to European sunscreens. In fact, Americans sunscreen choices are fewer and often offer worse UVA protection compared to those available in the European Union.
This matters becauseUVA rays are more abundant than UVB rays, and UVA damage is more subtle than the sunburns induced mainly by UVB rays. UVA rays can damage your skin invisibly by suppressing the immune system and aging the skin over time overexposure of these rays are also linked to the development of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, too.
According to EWG, most sunscreens sold in the U.S. would not be sold in Europe, which sets much more stringent UVA standards.
In the U.S., sunscreen regulations havent been updated since 2011, and current regulations promote SPF products that reduce sunburn , instead of sunscreens that offer better broad-spectrum protection. In a news release, EWG noted that FDA rules ignore the relationship between the labeled SPF and measured UVA protection.
Excess UVA radiation is tied to aging, immune system damage and a higher risk of certain cancers.
Recall Alert Banana Boat Sun Care Products
On Friday, October 19, the Food and Drug Administration and Energizer Holdings Inc. recalled all continuous spray Banana Boat sun care products. The recall comes after noticing a potential risk of product igniting on the skin if contact is made with a source of ignition before the product is completely dry. So far, Energizer has received four reports of adverse events involving burns associated with the use of the Banana Boat UltraMist Sport SPF 30 and 50 products in the US, and one event in Canada.
The recalled products were sold nationwide to wholesalers and retailers from January of 2010 through September 30, 2012. The following products are included in the recall:
If you own use any of these products, stop using it immediately and dispose immediately. For additional information, contact Energizer by calling Consumer Affairs 723-3786 between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. You can also email .
Want to make sure you dont have any recalled baby gear at home? Read more of the latest baby product recalls.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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How Can I Protect My Family
Benzene is not the only concern when it comes to sunscreen. A number of sunscreens have been shown to be ineffective or contain chemicals that can enter the bloodstream and disrupt hormones. In EWGs 2021 guide to sunscreens, they analyzed over 1,800 products and found that 75% did not provide adequate sun protection or included ingredients linked to harm. Still, there were over 200 products that did meet their safety standards.
Banana Boat Recalls Popular Product After Discovery Of Cancerous Chemical
Banana Boat, a popular sunscreen brand, recently announced a voluntary recall on one of their sunscreen products after a cancerous chemical was discovered.
According to the announcement made on July 29, an internal review discovered trace levels of benzene in three batches of the brand’s Hair & Scalp sunscreen.
The recall follows several other large recalls from companies including Johnson & Johnson and Coppertone in 2021.
In October 2021, popular sunscreen brand Coppertone recalled five separate products due to the presence of benzene. Five Johnson & Johnson aerosol sunscreens were also recalled in July 2021 after traces of benzene were discovered.
“While benzene is not an ingredient in any Banana Boat products, the review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can,” the company announcement read.
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Some Banana Boat Sunscreen Products Recalled After Benzene Detected
Edgewell Personal Care Company announced that it has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of three batches of Banana Boat sunscreen after the presence of benzene was found.
According to a press release from Edgewell on Friday, the recall was issued for three batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30, packaged in aerosol cans. An internal review detected trace levels of benzene in the cans.
According to the company, benzene is not an ingredient used in Banana Boat products. The trace amounts of benzene were caused by the propellant that distributes product in the packaging, according to the press release.
The recalled products were distributed across the United States via retailers and online. If consumers have products with the lot codes 20016AF, 20084BF, and 21139AF, it is recommended they stop using them immediately and discard the product.
Banana Boat released a statement on its website addressing the recall.
Banana Boat is voluntarily recalling three production batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 aerosol sprays due to trace levels of benzene, the statement read. We know that you love our products, and we are conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution. Importantly, no other batches of Hair & Scalp and no other Banana Boat products are in the scope of this recall and may continue to be used by consumers safely and as intended.
Top Picks For The Best Baby Sunscreens
- 3rd Rock Sunblock Sunscreen Lotion, Infant, SPF 35
- Adorable Baby Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
- All Good Kids Sunscreen Butter Stick, SPF 50+
- ATTITUDE Baby & Kids Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance Free, SPF 30
- Badger Baby Active Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 40
- California Baby Everyday/Year-Round Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
- California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
- Earth Mama Baby Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 40
- Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40
- Earth Mama Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40
- Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sun Stick, Lavender Chamomile, SPF 30
- Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31
- Olita Kids Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick, SPF 30
- Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Lotion Tin, SPF 30
- Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- Star Naturals Baby Natural Sunscreen Stick, SPF 25
- thinkbaby Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- thinksport Kids Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- TruBaby Water & Play Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
- Trukid Eczema Daily Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Tubby Todd Bath Co Baby Mineral Sunstick, SPF 30
- UV Natural Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
- Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Vitamin E + D Enriched Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 35
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How Did Benzene Get Into Sunscreens
No one knows for sure how the toxin ended up in sun care products. Benzene was not an ingredient in any of the sunscreens, so experts suspect contamination had to have occurred during the manufacturing process.
There are a lot of theories, said Scott Faber, the senior vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group , a non-profit consumer health advocacy group which puts out a yearly guide to safe sunscreens.
Benzene could be a byproduct of the process of making the chemicals that companies sell to the formulators of personal care products and sunscreens. Or it could be that some of those chemicals break down into benzene, although that seems less likely, Faber said.
But its very alarming, especially since the FDA does not require companies to test ingredients for contaminants, nor does it require testing for such chemicals at a finished product stage, he added.
Banana Boat Sunscreen Recall Overview:
- Who: Edgewell Personal Care Company issued a voluntary recall for three batches of its Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 product.
- Why: The recall was initiated after Edgewell discovered the batches of the Banana Boat sunscreen product contained trace levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen.
- Where: The recall is nationwide.
Edgewell Personal Care Company has issued a voluntary recall for three batches of its Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 after discovering they contained trace levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen.
Edgwell says in the recallwhich was by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 29that the unexpected presence of benzene came from propellant used to spray out the contents of the Banana Boat sunscreen product.
The recalled Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 products were sold in 6 oz cans with the lot codes 20016AF, 20084BF, and 21139AF, and with expiration dates of December 2022, February 2023, and April 2024, respectively.
No other Banana Boat Hair & Scalp sunscreen batches were affected by the recall, according to Banana Boat sunscreen recall.
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Recalled Banana Boat Sunscreen Product Sold Nationwide
The recalled Banana Boat Hair & Scalp sunscreen products were sold to consumers nationwide through a number of different in-person and online retailers, according to the Banana Boat sunscreen recall.
Edgewell, meanwhile, says it has informed retailers to remove the recalled Banana Boat sunscreen products from their shelves and that it will offer reimbursement to consumers who purchased an affected product.
Consumers who purchased the recalled Banana Boat sunscreen products are also being advised to immediately stop using and appropriately discard them, according to the Banana Boat sunscreen recall.
Edgewell says consumers can reach out to the company directly by phone at 1-888-686-3988 during a weekday or look online in order to get more information about the Banana Boat sunscreen recall.
A contamination of benzene in sunscreen, cosmetics, and other consumer items was behind a wave of class action lawsuits, settlements, and recalls last year.
Companies includingEdgewell, Johnson & Johnson, and CVS Health among many others all faced claims they sold sunscreen or other after-sun care products contaminated with benzene.
The benzene contamination came to light following a study released in May of last year by Valisure, an independent analytical pharmacy.
Have you purchased a product which has been recalled due to the presence of benzene? Let us know in the comments!
Why Do So Many Personal Care Products Have Benzene Contamination
So why is this happening all of a sudden in personal care products? Well, its not likely something that is new, but its more likely that these companies were caught with benzene and are now reacting to the pressure.
In May of 2021, Valisure, an independent online pharmacy and testing company, released a report showing the presence of benzene in 78 batches of products from major brands, including Banana Boat, Neutrogena, CVS Health, Sun Bum, Walgreens, and more.
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How To Avoid Too Much Sun
Getting some sun exposure is vital for good health because it helps your body create vitamin D. There are multiple ways to get vitamin D, but your best bet is to get it from standing in thesun or eatingvitamin D-rich foods. In fact, sitting in the sun unexposed for about 10 minutes helps your body create roughly 10,000 units of natural vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, heart disease depression, osteoporosis and many other ailments, so its important to get enough. Like almost anything, though, you can get too much of a good thing and want to make sure you avoid sunburns.
You should consider sunscreen your last resort to prevent sunburns, though. In fact, theres no clear evidence that using sunscreens actually prevents skin cancer including in the best sunscreens and some ingredients may actually fuel skin cancer.
Avoiding overexposure during peak sunlight hours, use sunglasses, and sun-protective hats and clothing . These things reduce your risk of burns without sunscreen.
Recall: Carcinogens In Banana Boats Spray Sunscreen
Edgewell Personal Care Company recalled its Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 because the product contains trace amounts of benzene, a well-established cancer-causing chemical. Exposure to benzene increases the risk to humans of developing leukemia and other blood disorders.
Edgewell maintains that benzene is not an ingredient in its sunscreen spray, but that during routine testing, unexpected levels of the chemical were found in the propellant that sprays the product from the can.
The sunscreen sprays were packaged in aerosol cans and distributed across the U.S. The recalled products had expiration dates for December 2022, February 2023, and April 2024. The affected products can also be identified by a lot code number found on the bottom of the can.
Importantly, no other batches of Hair & Scalp and no other Banana Boat products are in the scope of this recall and may continue to be used by consumers safely and as intended, according to Edgewells spokesperson.
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Which Products Were Not Recalled
Samples of Eco Formula Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Advanced After-Sun Gel by Sun Burst, Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by SunBurnt, Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by Goodsense, Ultimate Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 by TopCare Everyday, and UV Aero Broad-Spectrum Full-Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 45 by EltaMD all tested for benzene at levels of 2 parts per million or higher.
Samples of three Banana Boat products also contained levels of benzene at those levels: Kids Max Protect & Play Sunscreen C-Spray SPF 100, UltraMist Deep Tanning Dry Oil Continuous Clear Spray SPF 4 and Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 100.
To date,CNN was not able to verify that any of these products have been recalled followingValisuresrequest to that effect to the FDA.
The sunscreens tested by Valisurewere only a tiny sample of the more than 11,000 registered sun care products on the market.
The Personal Care Products Council, an industry association, said its members were firmly committed to providing products with ingredients that have been thoroughly tested for safety and follow the requirements of the law.
We are aware of the study reporting the presence of benzene in some of the sunscreen products tested, the council said in a statement. There is nothing more important than safety. If our consumers cant believe in a product or rely on it to do what it says, then nothing else matters.
