Plaintiffs v Schering-Plough Canada and Playtex Products Inc.
Proposed Class-Action Against Sunscreen Makers Alleges They Deceived Public
A Toronto law firm is moving forward with a proposed class-action lawsuit against the makers of two major brands of sunscreen in Canada, alleging they deceived customers about the strength of their products.
Juroviesky and Ricci LLP said in two statements of claim that Schering-Plough Canada and Playtex Products Inc., which manufacture the Coppertone and Banana Boat sunscreen brands, made "misleading representations to the public" by implying the sun protection factor, or SPF, listed on their products protects equally against all types of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
In the amended statements of claim filed in February 2009 with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the firm said the companies failed to distinguish between UVA rays, which damage the DNA in skin cells, and UVB rays, which cause sunburns and are the main target of SPF ratings.
The firm's claim alleges sunbathers who purchased the two companies' products may "unnecessarily expose themselves to harmful UVA rays without the benefit of their skin's natural warning system, a sunburn."
While both UVA and UVB rays are carcinogenic, UVA rays cause "more aggressive" forms of skin cancer, the firm said in their statements.
While the statement of claim was filed in 2008, a motion to certify the lawsuit will take place in the next 60 days.
Juroviesky and Ricci LLP is encouraging anyone who purchased Coppertone or Banana Boat products after July 2002 to take part in the class action.
For more information please contact:
Juroviesky and Ricci LLP
4950 Yonge Street,
Suite 904
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
M2N 6K1
Telephone: (416) 481-0718
Toll Free: (877) 578-7529 (JRUSLAW)
Fax: (416) 481-1792
