Lotramin, Tinactin Spray Recall Issued Over Presence of Benzene

Following a series of sunscreen recalls issued after benzene was detected in various aerosol spray products, Bayer issuing a recall for Lotrimin and Tinactin antifungal sprays, indicating that the products also may contain dangerous levels of the cancer-causing chemical.

The Lotramin and Tinactin spray recalls were announced by the FDA on October 1, after routine sample testing discovered benzene in over-the-counter the aerosol spray products used to treat fungus infection, athlete’s foot, and to treat itching, burning, cracking and scaling skin.

The recall impacts all unexpired lots of Lotrimin and Tinactin sprays cans, but does not include lotion forms of the products. Among the products included are Lotrimin Anti-Fungal (AF) Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray, Lotrimin Anti-Fungal Jock Itch (AFJI) Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray, Lotrimin Anti-Fungal (AF) Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Powder Spray, Lotrimin AF Athlete’s Foot Liquid Spray, Lotrimin AF Athlete’s Foot Daily Prevention Deodorant Powder Spray, Tinactin Jock Itch (JI) Powder Spray, Tinactin Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Powder Spray, Tinactin Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray and Tinactin Athlete’s Foot Liquid Spray.

The over-the-counter aerosol products were manufactured by Bayer U.S. LLC and have lot numbers beginning with TN, CV or NAA, and were distributed between September 2018 and September 2021 to various retailers in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico.

According to the recall notice, Lotrimin and Tinactin aerosol sprays were found to contain levels of benzene, which is classified as a human carcinogen, and not an intended ingredient in any of Bayer Consumer Health products.

Benzene is an industrial chemical that has been associated with the development of several fatal forms of cancer, leukemia and other conditions, such as AML, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDL), Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia, Aplastic Anemia and Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Long-term side effects of benzene exposure have been proven to cause anemia, which is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Essentially, the chemical causes bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, which can damage an individual’s immune system. Federal regulators have determined long-term exposure to benzene can significantly impact blood cells, to the extent it causes cancer such as leukemia, which affects the blood-forming organs.

Customers are being asked to stop using the recalled anti-fungal sprays immediately and to contact Bayer at 1-866-360-3266 for instructions on how to obtain a refund properly dispose of the products.

Sunscreen Spray Benzene Concerns

The recall was announced amid growing concerns surrounding benzene in aerosol spray products, including popular sunscreens sold under the Neutrogena, Aveeno and Coppertone brands.

In May 2021, the on-line pharmacy Valisure issued a warning after detecting benzene in sunscreen and after-sun care products tested from their inventory, indicating that more than a quarter contained benzene levels that exceed the threshold that the FDA has established as a safety concern.

A massive Johnson & Johnson Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen recall was issued a few months later, and last week a similar Coppertone sunscreen recall was issued after unsafe levels of benzene were detected.

A growing number of sunscreen spray lawsuits have now been filed against manufacturers, each raising similar allegations that the company endangered consumers’ health by not warning them of the presence of benzene, which could lead to the development of cancer and other injuries.

On September 24, the FDA issued a press release announcing plans to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter sunscreen products, adding new requirements affecting the maximum sunscreen protection values (SPF), the active ingredients, labeling, testing requirements and numerous other requirements.