Gain Laundry Detergent Cancer Lawsuit
Laundry might be tedious, but nothing beats the comfort of fresh sheets or a warm sweatshirt straight from the dryer. You may have a go-to detergent brand, one used by your family, or a new scent you prefer. However, if you’re a regular user of Gain products, take note: a recent lawsuit alleges the detergent contains a “probable human carcinogen.”
Gain products are accused of “greenwashing.” The class action complaint accuses Gain laundry detergent, specifically Gain Original Aroma Boost, of being deceptively marketed as “environmentally friendly” to appeal to eco-conscious consumers—a strategy known as “greenwashing.” The lawsuit highlights Procter & Gamble’s use of natural imagery, such as stylized flowers, leaves, butterflies, and the color green on Gain packaging. The lawsuit refers to research indicating that this imagery “evokes positive emotional responses in consumers and is particularly effective when consumers are not highly knowledgeable about greenwashing techniques.”
In addition to targeting consumers seeking sustainable products, the lawsuit contends that Gain laundry detergent may be hazardous to your health.
Despite the environmentally friendly packaging, the lawsuit claims that Gain detergent contains a harmful toxin.
Testing by Bureau Veritas, a certification company, discovered 1,4-Dioxane (dioxane) in the detergent last year. Dioxane is considered a “probable human carcinogen” by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can accumulate in the body over time.
Dioxane is often used to reduce skin irritation caused by other chemical ingredients, such as sodium laureth sulfate, which is listed as a “Cleaning Agent” on the packaging. However, despite its known health risks, dioxane is not mentioned on the container, the lawsuit claims.
Dioxane exposure can occur through inhalation, drinking contaminated water, or skin absorption. The lawsuit states that dioxane exposure has been linked to tumors in the liver, gallbladder, nasal cavity, lung, skin, and breasts.
The lawsuit further claims that dioxane ends up in drinking water due to products like Gain Original Aroma Boost, as the water used to wash clothes flows into aquifers containing groundwater.
The victim seeks damages and a jury trial.
The Plaintiff used Gain detergent but would not have purchased the products if she had known about the high dioxane levels. The toxin can only be detected through laboratory testing, as stated in the lawsuit. The lawsuit also alleges that Procter & Gamble “had a duty to disclose and/or provide non-deceptive descriptions and marketing of the Product.” She believes the company’s failure to do so constitutes negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and unjust enrichment (meaning they profited from a product that was not accurately represented).
Additionally, the Plaintiff claims Procter & Gamble violated New York General Business Law, State Consumer Fraud Acts, and the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, which sets standards for written warranties. She is seeking damages on behalf of herself and other class members and requesting a jury trial.
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