Johnson & Johnson Sold Neutrogena Sunscreen Known to Cause Cancer, Says Class Action

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Johnson & Johnson Sunscreen Class Action Lawsuit Overview: 

• Who: Elizabeth Bodle filed a class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. 
• Why: Plaintiff claims Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers some of its Neutrogena brand sunscreens contain benzene, a known human carcinogen. 
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.

Johnson & Johnson unlawfully sold certain Neutrogena brand sunscreens containing benzene, a known human carcinogen, a new class action lawsuit alleges. 

Plaintiff Elizabeth Bodle claims Johnson & Johnson failed to inform consumers its Neutrogena sunscreens may contain benzene, or list it as an active ingredient.

Benzene has been classified as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, according to the class action lawsuit.

Bodle wants to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who purchased any Neutrogena lotion or sunscreen containing benzene for personal use or consumption.

Bodle, who is in her early fifties, says she became suspicious after she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia despite being healthy and relatively young.

After researching online, Bodle, who says she is an “avid user,” of Neutrogena brand sunscreens, discovered certain Neutrogena sunscreens were part of a nationwide recall for containing “dangerous and unacceptable,” levels of benzene. 

Neutrogena Sunscreen Can Cause Leukemia and Other Cancers, Class Action Lawsuit Claims

Bodle claims studies have shown that benzene exposure can lead to leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia, as well as a weakened immune system and other bone marrow and blood disorders.

Further, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not allow products labeled as sunscreen to contain benzene, according to the class action lawsuit.

In May, Valisure, an independent pharmacy, conducted a study which led to a nationwide recall for multiple sunscreen products, including Neutrogena sunscreens from five different product lines, according to the class action lawsuit.

Valisure determined the presence of benzene was not unavoidable in the sunscreens, according to the class action lawsuit, while suggesting its presence may have been due to contamination.

Bodle alleges that Johnson & Johnson is guilty of unjust enrichment and in violation of California’s Unlawful, Unfair and Fraudulent Business Practices Code, Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and False Advertising Law.

The plaintiff is demanding a jury trial and requesting an order enjoining Johnson & Johnson from selling the sunscreens, along with compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages for herself and all Class Members.

Johnson & Johnson said in August that it would be giving refunds to consumers who purchased any of five Neutrogena brand sunscreens it recalled due to benzene contamination. 

Did you purchase Neutrogena brand sunscreens manufactured by Johnson & Johnson that contained benzene? To see if you qualify to join the class action lawsuit investigation click here (links to paid attorney advertisement).

The plaintiff is represented by Lawrence G. Papale of the Law Offices of Lawrence G. Papale, and James M. Terrell and Courtney C. Gipson of Methvin, Terrell, Yancey, Stephens & Miller, P.C.

The J&J Benzene Sunscreen Class Action Lawsuit is Bodle v. Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., Case No. 3:21-cv-07742, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

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