Odor-Eaters Spray Recall Issued Due To Benzene Contamination

Benzene in Odor-Eaters aerosol spray raises similar concerns about cancer risks that led to recent petitions to recall sunscreen, deodorant and antiperspirant products found to contain dangerous levels.

On the heels of recent discoveries that widely used sunscreens, deodorants and other aerosol spray products contained high levels of benzene, Odor-Eaters spray is being recalled by Blistex due to the presence of the same cancer-causing chemical.

The Odor-Eaters recall (PDF) was announced in a press release issued on November 17, impacting more than 40 lots of spray products that may be contaminated with benzene.

Blistex, Inc. indicates that internal testing discovered the benzene contamination in Odor-Eaters Spray Powder and Odor-Eaters Stink Stoppers Spray, but maintains that no injuries or illnesses have been linked to benzene exposure caused by the recalled 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.

The FDA categorizes benzene as a Class I Solvent, which should not be used in the making of drug products because of its toxicity. However, if a product must contain benzene, it should be limited to 2 parts per million (ppm).

The Odor-Eater benzene problems come amid rising concerns about high levels of the chemical found in in sunscreen and deodorant sprays in recent months, which have already resulted in a number of lawsuits filed on behalf of consumers exposed to an increased risk of cancer.

The recalled Odor-Eaters products are also aerosol sprays, which are used for antifungal treatment and odor control. The recall affects 35 lots of Odor-Eaters Spray Powder sold in 4 oz and 5.3 oz aerosol cans, as well as six lots of Odor-Eaters Stink Stoppers Spray sold in 4 oz cans. A full list of lot numbers, UPC numbers and expiration dates is available in the recall notice.

The recalled Odor-Eater sprays were distributed nationwide.

Customers with recalled Odor-Eater spray products can visit www.odoreatersrecall2021.com to request a product refund, as well as find additional information. Those with questions about the recall can call 1-855-544-4821.

Blistex advises any consumers to contact their physician or healthcare provider if t hey have experienced any problems which could be related to using the spray products. Adverse reactions should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

Benzene Problems Appear Rampant in Aerosol Spray Products

Earlier this month, the prominent testing pharmacy Valisure announced it has found high levels of benzene in numerous brands and batches of body spray and deodorant spray products, including Old Spice, Secret, Suave, Tag and others. Valisure subsequently filed a petition with the FDA, calling for deodorant and body spray recalls of the affected products.

Valisure also identified benzene in sunscreen products earlier this year, and a number of consumers have filed sunscreen cancer lawsuits and class action claims against Johnson & Johnson, as well as other manufacturers, as a result.

Johnson & Johnson issued a Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen spray recall in July 2021, after confirming the known human carcinogens was present in it’s products. The recall was accompanied by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning, which instructed consumers to stop using certain Aveeno and Neutrogena sunscreen products while the agency worked with the manufacturer to determine how the chemical was introduced into the recalled aerosol sunscreen spray cans.

Since the recall, several class action complaints have been filed in different U.S. District Courts nationwide, each raising similar allegations that Johnson & Johnson endangered consumers’ health by not warning them of the presence of benzene in brands of Neutrogena and Aveeno spray sunscreen, which could increase their risk of cancer.

Late last month, Johnson & Johnson and Costco announced they had reached a settlement agreement to resolve the cases. However, the details of the sunscreen settlement agreement have not yet been revealed and the deal has not been finalized.