New Report Warns of Cancer-Causing Benzene in Generic Versions of Mucinex

A new investigative report warns that many generic and store-brand versions of Mucinex, a popular over-the-counter cold medication, contain a chemical that could turn into benzene, putting users at an increased risk of cancer and other adverse health problems.

The brand-name version of Mucinex is manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser Group, Plc, using carbomers to create its extended-release mucus-relief effects, which helps combat symptoms over a 12-hour period. However, according to findings published by Bloomberg News on August 12, the generic drug maker Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc. uses a different, cheaper type of carbomer, which could transfer into the cancer-causing benzene once consumed.

The generic versions are often sold as popular store-brands by CVS, Walmart, Target, Walgreens and other major retailers and pharmacies.

Bloomberg News’ investigation indicates the cheaper carbomer used in generic Mucinex includes benzene, while the brand-name drug does not. The difference between the carbomers used in brand-name and generic Mucinex are not pointed out on the label, according to the report.

One of the major retailers, CVS Health Corp., has already indicated it will work with suppliers to change carbomers to decrease the risk of benzene exposure.

According to the report, similar carbomers are used in other drugs, such as Walgreen’s generic version of Anbesol, Walmart’s Equate face moisturizer with sunscreen and generic Bengay sold by Rite Aid.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally called for all benzene to be phased out of use in U.S. drugs by 2025, but pushed back the date to 2026 due to complaints from the pharmaceutical industry.

Benzene Exposure Risks

Benzene is a colorless chemical with a slightly sweet odor. It is highly flammable and often part of the chemical makeup of residential natural gas. If a natural gas leak occurs, the benzene can light on fire and lead to an explosion.

However, benzene is also known to be toxic. It has also been linked to the formation of carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide–chemicals that are also toxic to human health.

Exposure to benzene emissions themselves can damage the immune system and has been linked to an increased risk of several fatal forms of cancer and life-threatening health conditions, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDL), Myelofibrosis, Myeloid Metaplasia, Aplastic Anemia and Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Long-term side effects of benzene exposure have also been proven to cause anemia.

Long-term side effects of benzene exposure have been proven to cause anemia, which is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Benzene Lawsuits

In addition to cold medications and other products, high benzene levels have also been found in many aerosol spray products sold in recent years, leading to a number of sunscreen, deodorant, and antiperspirant recalls.

A massive sunscreen recall was issued in 2021 over benzene contamination, after testing revealed dangerous benzene levels in 78 sunscreen and after-sun care products, with more than a quarter of products exceeding 2 parts per million (ppm). Following the discovery, a number of recalls were issued for sunscreen spray and mist products, including Neutrogena and Aveeno.

High benzene levels were also found in certain Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI and TRESemmé dry shampoo products, resulting in a Unilever dry shampoo recall products in 2021. The contamination stemmed from the propellant used by the manufacturer.

In 2022, an Old Spice and Secret deodorant recall was issued over high levels of benzene found in those aerosol spray products. A similar Suave antiperspirant spray recall was issued the same year.

Several Banana Boat sunscreen spray recalls have also been issued over benzene contamination. The most recent Banana Boat recall was issued in 2023 after additional aerosol spray products were determined to contain high benzene levels.

Johnson & Johnson faced at least eight class action lawsuits over benzene exposure linked to its spray sunscreens. The court issued final approval for a Neutrogena and Aveeno spray sunscreen class action settlement in February 2023. Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $1.75 million in vouchers to consumers who purchased benzene-tainted products, which were not included in the 2021 recall.

In October 2023, a federal judge granted approval to a $3.1 million Batiste dry shampoo settlement agreement, which included a $2.5 million cash fund and $600,000 in vouchers for consumers who purchased the benzene-contaminated shampoo products. The settlement resolved a similar class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturer, Church & Dwight, Co. over benzene contamination in its dry shampoo spray products. The lawsuit stemmed from a Unilever dry shampoo recall issued in October 2022, after elevated benzene levels were detected from the spray can propellant used by the manufacturer.