Recall of sunscreen due to fire risk expanded

The makers of a popular line of sun products is expanding its recall of continuous spray sunscreens because they pose a fire risk.

Health Canada says consumers should check Banana Boat sunscreen products in their travel kits and at cottages to see if they are subject to the recall.

A statement from the department says the products can ignite on the skin if a user is exposed to an open flame or spark before the sunscreen has dried.

There have been five reports of such events, one in Canada and four in the United States.

Health Canada is also warning that similar products from other manufacturers may also pose a risk.

The department says people should not apply continuous spray sun care products near open flames or sparks, or while smoking.

The original recall, issued on Oct. 19, related to two specific products: Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 60 Spray and Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 60 Spray. Both are sold in 180 millilitre bottles.

The expanded recall covers two additional products: Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 30 Spray Sunscreen and Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 30 Spray Sunscreen, both also sold in 180 ml containers.

A fifth affected product, which was previously sold in Canada, has also been identified: Banana Boat Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 15.

The company, Energizer Personal Care, says the valve on the dispenser of these products delivers more sunscreen than normal for a continuous spray sunscreen.

Consequently the sunscreen takes longer to dry on the skin, creating the potential for the sunscreen to ignite on the skin if it comes into contact with a flame or spark during the drying process.

Consumers looking for more information on the recall can contact Energizer Canada Inc. by calling 1-888-SUN-TIPS (1-888-786-8477) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET or by emailing SUNCARE(at)customerfollowup.info.