Johnson & Johnson is recalling a line of its sunscreen products after a test detected traces of a known human carcinogen in their products.

The products in question are Neutrogena aerosol and Aveeno sunscreens.

An internal test of samples discovered the elevated presence of benzene, a known carcinogen that research has linked to cancer and other ailments.

Johnson & Johnson issued an alert to consumers that they should with immediate effect stop using the products and dispose of them appropriately.

The products affected by the recall include Aveeno Protect + Refresh, Neutrogena Beach Defense, Neutrogena Invisible Daily, Neutrogena Cool Dry, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer.

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The company said it is recalling all lots of the specific aerosol sunscreen products and is working with distributors and retailers to effectively undertake the recall process.

Johnson & Johnson said that benzene does not form part of the ingredients used in their sunscreens.

The company is investigating the possible cause of contamination of their products.

However, Johnson & Johnson did not disclose how much benzene levels were detected in the products but assured the public that they were low. 

Velisure, an independent pharmaceutical testing company found 78 lots of sunscreens and sun care products with benzene.

40 products were found to have significantly detectable levels of benzene out of the 78 batches with detectable levels.

Benzene is an industrial chemical found in crude oil and cigarette smoke. It can also be used in the manufacture of pesticides and plastic. 

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Benzene is a known human carcinogen that has the potential to cause harm to humans after long-term exposure usually over a period of one year.