After recalling more than 1.5 million dry shampoo products in Canada due to the presence of the carcinogenic chemical benzene, Health Canada says it has since received over 100 reports related to incidents or injuries involving the products. The recall, announced on October 18 by the health agency and the brand Unilever, covered dry shampoo from brands including Dove and Bed Head TIGI. Additionally, Health Canada warned in the recall notice: "Stop using the recalled product immediately and dispose of it according to the disposal instructions on the packaging."

On Wednesday, Health Canada told CTVNews.ca via email that it has received more than 100 reports of incidents or injuries related to the products since the recall, with the main types of injuries including "irritation or allergic reactions." Also, the emailed statement said: "Due to ongoing reports, the total number of reports and analysis of injury types is ongoing."

Furthermore, the Canadian health organization stated that Unilever raised its concerns about the contents of the dry shampoo so that immediate action could be taken. In its announcement, Unilever said an internal investigation found that the aerosol propellant was the source of "potentially elevated levels of benzene" in the dry shampoo. The company noted in its statement that benzene is classified as a human carcinogen and can lead to cancers such as leukemia and blood cancers. It also said it does not use benzene in its products and issued the recall "out of an abundance of caution."

According to Health Canada, benzene can be absorbed into the human body through inhalation or absorption through the mouth or skin. Health Canada stated that it understands it may be difficult for consumers to know if they have been affected by the recalled products and encourages those concerned to speak with their healthcare provider. In the same context, the health agency added that 1,574,426 units of the recalled products were sold in Canada from January 2022 to October 2022. Since 2021, Health Canada has recalled at least 12 products due to benzene.