Procter & Gamble (P&G) agreed to pay $8 million as part of a settlement to resolve claims its aerosolised products contain benzene, a known carcinogen, Top Class action reported. Consumers do not need to provide proof of purchase in order to benefit.
The Procter & Gamble settlement benefits consumers who purchased Secret, Old Spice, Pantene, Waterl<ss, Aussie, Herbal Essences or Hair Food aerosol antiperspirant, deodorant, body spray, dry shampoo or dry conditioner products between 4 November 2015, and 31 December 2021.
According to a class action lawsuit against P&G, aerosol products sold by the company’s brands were contaminated with benzene. Benzene is formed both naturally in volcanoes and forest fires and through synthetic products such as the production of crude oil and gasoline, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the chemical is used to make plastics and other synthetics, benzene is a carcinogen associated with leukemia.
P&G recalled several of its aerosol products in December 2021 due to benzene contamination, the plaintiffs note. Several class action lawsuits followed these recalls, claiming that consumers wouldn’t have purchased the products if they knew the aerosol items would expose them to a known carcinogen. Plaintiffs in the consolidated case sought refunds for purchased P&G aerosol products and compensation for false advertising.
P&G hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to an $8 million class action settlement to resolve these allegations.
Under the terms of the Procter & Gamble settlement, class members can receive a cash payment based on the number of products they purchased and whether they provide proof of purchase.
Each eligible product will result in either $3.50 in cash or a voucher for the same product purchased. Voucher value varies depending on brand and type, as follows: $5 for Old Spice Hair; $6 for Aussie; $7 for Old Spice, Secret or Herbal Essences; $9 for Pantene or Waterl<ss; and $10 for Hair Food.
Class members can claim up to three eligible products without proof of purchase for a maximum payment of $10.50 or applicable vouchers.
With proof of purchase, class members can receive compensation for each eligible product they purchased.
In addition to monetary payments, the Procter & Gamble settlement provides non-monetary relief. The company has agreed to implement material testing, finished product testing and other measures to monitor for benzene contamination in the future.
The deadline for exclusion and objection is 26 January 2023.
The final approval hearing for the Procter & Gamble benzene products settlement is scheduled for 30 May 2023.
In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by 26 January 2023.
Procter & Gamble to pay out $8m in benzene settlement
