Certain lots of Tinactin aerosol sprays for athlete’s foot recalled

Issue

Bayer Inc. is recalling six lots (lot numbers beginning with TN) of Tinactin products—Tinactin Aerosol Powder, Tinactin Chill Deodorant Powder Spray, and Tinactin Chill Liquid Spray—due to potentially elevated levels of benzene. Frequent and long-term exposure (e.g., through the skin and by inhalation) to elevated levels of benzene may pose serious health risks. Children may be more vulnerable to these risks. Immediate signs of exposure to elevated levels of benzene include drowsiness, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and headaches. These sprays are antifungal products used for the treatment and prevention of athlete’s foot. They are available over-the-counter for use by adults, adolescents and children ages two years and older. While there is no safe level of benzene, people can be exposed to benzene during everyday life by air (e.g., by inhaling car exhaust, second-hand tobacco smoke and industrial emissions), by swallowing benzene or by absorbing it through the skin (e.g., through contact with contaminated water). Long-term (over a year or more) and repeated exposure to elevated levels of benzene may lead to serious health effects, including various forms of cancer such as leukemia, anemia (low red blood cells), and bone marrow failure. These risks may increase when these products are used on children. Health Canada is monitoring the company’s recall and implementation of any necessary corrective and preventive actions.

What you should do

• Stop using the recalled products. Consult a health care professional if you have used any of these products and have health concerns.
• Contact Bayer Inc. by calling 1-888-473-8012 or by emailing bayer5969@sedgwick.com if you have questions or to request a refund.
• Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.