P&G recalls shampoos and conditioners that may contain benzene

Procter & Gamble is recalling aerosol dry shampoo and conditioner spray products from half a dozen brands sold nationwide after finding benzene in some of them. 

The recall involves products produced in the United States from the P&G brands Aussie, Herbal Essences, Pantene and Waterless, the Cincinnati-based consumer goods conglomerate said Friday in a notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration. Previously discontinued aerosol dry shampoo products from its Hair Food and Old Spice brands are also included in the recall.

Exposure to benzene — classified as a human carcinogen — can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow, as well as life-threatening blood disorders. "Daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences," P&G stated.