Many people use products designed to disinfect or contain odors without giving them much thought; they just assume all the ingredients are relatively safe to handle. However, there have been many cases in the past where this assumption turned out to be false and a lot of people suffered adverse health consequences as a result.

One recent example of this phenomenon is the discovery of carcinogenic chemicals in the well-known odor control powder Odor Eaters, which has spurned a class action lawsuit.

Here's what you know about the whole situation.

What Exactly Is Odor Eaters?

Odor eaters is a brand of fungicides and odor control products designed to reduce the severity of unpleasant foot and shoe smells. The brand consists of insoles, powders, and sprays and is officially owned by Blistex Inc., which is a company that primarily deals in self-care products.

Odor eaters products are very commercially successful and can be found in numerous retail outlets, including big box stores, grocery stores, dollar stores, and gas stations.

Why Is Odor Eaters Subject to Legal Action?

Numerous Odor Eaters products contain a chemical called benzene, which is recognized by numerous medical authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to cause cancer.

Benzene is a colorless, highly flammable organic compound that is derived from petroleum manufacturing. It is frequently used as an industrial solvent, although it can also be commonly found in a variety of synthetic products like disposable gloves, clothing fibers, dyes, and plastics. It's relatively low boiling point also makes it a convenient addition to aerosolized products as it can convert to a gas very easily.

The effects of benzene exposure can be quite drastic as it causes a litany of health problems, such as neurological damage, anemia, and low immune function. However, its most infamous side-effect is that it causes a variety of cancers, usually leukemia or lymphatic cancer.

Of all Odor Eaters products, the most dangerous in terms of benzene exposure by far is the aerosol spray. In November of 2021, Blistex Inc. recalled their Odor Eaters aerosols following the discovery that they contained an extremely high level of benzene, considerably above the limit for safe exposure.

As the products cause a slew of health problems and were used by a considerable number of people over a long period of time, lawsuits are now being filed to compensate potential victims.

What Are The Specifics of Odor Eaters Lawsuits?

The basis for the class action lawsuit against Blistex Inc. is that benzene was not listed as an official ingredient on their Odor Eaters sprays despite there being a considerable amount of it. It was not stated anywhere on the product labeling that benzene was present, that it presented certain health risks, and that people should use caution when using it.

As a responsible manufacturer, Blistex Inc. should have put in the necessary effort to determine whether their products reached minimum safety standards. Their failure to do this leaves them culpable for the damage Odor Eaters sprays has caused to those who purchased them.

The inherently unsafe nature of using Odor Eaters products rendered them essentially useless and detrimental to human health. The class action lawsuit not only calls for the reimbursement for those who have suffered the ill effects of benzene exposure, but also for a campaign to be launched to showcase the dangers of using Odor Eaters sprays, so people can be better aware of potential negative effects of using them, as well as for anyone who did buy an Odor Eaters product to have their money refunded to them.

In addition to ensuring Blistex Inc. remains accountable, the suit also encourages distributors and retailers to properly and safely dispose of Odor Eaters sprays that are in their possession.

How This Affects You

Odor Eaters is an extremely common brand and it's definitely possible that you've used it in the past, perhaps habitually.

If you can demonstrate that you've purchased Odor Eaters spray before, and especially if you've experienced negative health effects associated with benzene exposure, you may be entitled to some form of compensation from Blistex Inc.