July 23, 2021
For most, summer is synonymous with having fun in the sun. But sometimes products designed to help keep you safe in the sun or better enjoy the summer may actually be dangerous. We all know sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin cancer, but a recent U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recall suggests some sunscreens may increase the risk of cancer. Information about that recall and other recent summer product recalls are discussed below.
Johnson & Johnson Sunscreen Recall
On July 14, 2021, the FDA announced that Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled specific Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreen products due to the presence of Benzene, a known carcinogen. The aerosol sunscreen products being recalled are:
- NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen,
- NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen,
- NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen,
- NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen, and
- AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.
According to the FDA announcement, Johnson & Johnson advises that consumers should stop using these specific products and appropriately discard them.
Umbrosa Pool and Patio Umbrellas Recalled Due to Injury Hazard
On May 27, 2021, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Umbrosa has recalled umbrellas equipped with the Umbrosa Evolution Arm/Holder due to an injury hazard from the umbrella arm breaking at the elbow while in use. According to the CPSC announcement, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled umbrellas and contact Umbrosa to receive a free replacement arm/holder. Umbrosa is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Pool Heaters Recalled by Pentair Water Pool and Spa Due to Fire Hazard
On April 18, 2021, the CPSC announced a recall of StaRite and Mastertemp pool heaters due to a fire hazard. According to the CPSC announcement, consumers should stop using the heater immediately if they have one of the specific models cited in the recall. Owners can contact Pentair Water Pool and Spa for a free repair.
Cohen Milstein closely monitors product recalls across industry:
Launched in July 2019, Cohen Milstein’s U.S. Product Recall News Blog tracks product recalls across industry, including consumer products; motor vehicle, tire, and roadway safety products; food, drugs, cosmetics, and medicines; as well as chemicals and environmental products. We monitor the following regulatory agencies and product recall websites:
- Consumer Safety Product Commission (CPSC)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
- Recalls.gov
When safety issues regarding a product are brought to the CPSC, NHTSA or the FDA, these agencies will evaluate and track the issues and will determine whether or not a specific product is not fit or safe for public use. Depending on the product and scope of the problem, either a voluntary recall may be issued by the offending company or a mandatory recall will be issued by the governing agency. The agencies will also work with the offending company on the most appropriate mitigation strategies, including corrective actions.
Cohen Milstein’s Complex Tort Litigation attorneys litigate Unsafe & Defective Products, Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury, Environmental Toxic Torts and other matters related to dangerous products, recovering hundreds-of-millions of dollars for consumers who have been harmed by such defective or dangerous products. If you’re interested in learning more about the firm’s Complex Tort Litigation practice, please email us or call us at 877.515.7955.
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