The Therapeutic Goods Administration has recalled three different types of Banana Boat sunscreen after some products were found to contain benzene.
Benzene is a carcinogenic chemical, a substance that could potentially cause cancer, and has been linked to adverse side effects, Product Safety Australia said in a statement.
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Anybody who has bought the following products should check the expiry date on their cans:
- Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids Very High Protection Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 50+
- Banana Boat Ultra Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+
- Banana – Boat Dry Balance Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+
If the expiry date lists 31/01/2024 or earlier, the product should be disposed of immediately, the TGA said.
The sunscreens were sold at a large number of retailers across Australia and also online and internationally.
"Product testing identified unexpected levels of benzene in some batches of these aerosol sunscreens," a Banana Boat spokesperson said in a statement.
"Exposure to benzene in these sunscreen products at the levels detected would not be expected to cause adverse health effects."
Buyers will be eligible for a refund from Banana Boat.
All other Banana Boat sunscreens remain safe to use, and are still available to buy in stores.
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