TODAY reports on the difficulty consumers face in knowing details about the dangers of benzene in hand sanitizers. Earlier this year, a nurse “came across a study showing that the brand of hand sanitizer she had been using throughout the pandemic had sold bottles that tested positive for benzene, a solvent made from petroleum that is not allowed to be used in consumer products because it is carcinogenic.” She and others had trouble raising awareness about the solvent because of pushback from the company that creates it. Because “the FDA can’t force recalls on over-the-counter drugs,” consumers have faced difficulties demanding companies voluntarily recall the sanitizers.

From the news release of the American Association for Justice.