Our team at the Hoffman Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Program at UT Health San Antonio wanted to share this important external article:
“Johnson & Johnson Recalls Sunscreens After Finding Carcinogenic Ingredients,” from verywellhealth.com.
Benzene is a naturally occurring carcinogen, which people can be exposed to through breathing, eating or skin contact. It is mostly found in cigarette smoke and it can increase a person’s risk of developing leukemia or other blood disorders.
Currently, no adverse health effects from customers have been reported. While the levels of benzene in the sunscreens are not expected to be high enough to affect people’s health, the corporation said it is voluntarily recalling the products “out of abundance of caution.”
This is important for people who experience chemical intolerance, said Dr. Claudia Miller, allergist/immunologist, professor emeritus, and leader of the Hoffman TILT Program at UT Health San Antonio.
“Many sensitive individuals do not tolerate ingredients in sunscreens and other common skin lotions, including fragrances,” Miller said.
How chemically sensitive are you?
Answer these three questions from the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI):
- Do you feel sick when you are exposed to tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, nail polish/remover, engine exhaust, gasoline, air fresheners, pesticides, paint/thinner, fresh tar/asphalt, cleaning supplies, new carpet or furnishings? By sick, we mean: headache, difficulty thinking, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, etc.
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse or allergic reactions to any drugs or medications (such as antibiotics, anesthetics, pain relievers, X-ray contrast dye, vaccines or birth control pills), or to an implant, prosthesis, contraceptive chemical or device, or other medical/surgical/dental material or procedure?
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse reactions to any foods such as dairy products, wheat, corn, eggs, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, or food additives (e.g., MSG, food dye)?
If you answer YES to any of these three questions, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor!