SGT's $8+ Million Aerosol Spray Contamination Class Action Settlement gets Preliminary Approval

October 28, 2022

The $8 million+ settlement SGT and co-counsel reached with Procter & Gamble to resolve lawsuits alleging P&G failed to disclose that certain antiperspirant and dry shampoo aerosol spray products were tainted with the carcinogen benzene has been preliminary approved by United States Judge Michael H. Watson of the Southern District of Ohio. Judge Watson also appointed SGT Partner Steven L. Bloch as Settlement Class Counsel.

Under the Settlement Agreement, Class Members may choose to receive either a voucher for values ranging from $5-$10 or a cash payment of $3.50. There is no limit to the amount of cash or vouchers P&G will provide to Class Members who demonstrate proof of purchase, and there is no limit to the number of claims a Class Member may submit with proof of purchase.  P&G has agreed to pay up to $8,000,000 in cash payments or vouchers for Class Members who submit a claim without proof of purchase, and Class Members are limited to three no-proof-of-purchase cash payments/vouchers per household.  Class Members who already recovered through P&G's voluntary recall program will have their claims offset by their prior recovery. 

P&G has also agreed to substantial injunctive relief that includes (1) specifying that sourced isobutane raw material may not contain more than 1 ppm benzene; (2) requiring its raw material suppliers and contract manufacturers of isobutane raw material to therefore test for the presence of benzene in its materials and withhold batches containing more than 1 ppm; and (3) requiring P&G to test its finished product and withhold batches that contain more than 1 ppm.