Mounting evidence: Asbestos in talc-based makeup

People shouldn’t need to worry the beauty products that they use daily could possibly be contaminated with harmful chemicals. Sadly, this autumn, news came out (back ) which talc-based cosmetics was contaminated with asbestos, and this is known to cause cancer.

This November, our spouses in the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that almost 15 percent of those talc-based makeup products they sampled contained asbestos. Yet more, this shows us that people who’ve been utilizing these cosmetics products on their own bodies daily may be at risk for creating asbestos-related illnesses like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. There’s not any safe amount of exposure to asbestos.

This is not the first-time asbestos was observed in talc-based cosmetics. In 2018, our very own testing discovered asbestos from some makeup products offered at Claire’s, a shop that primarily markets for teens and children. In 2019, the FDA supported our findings also discovered asbestos in 9 more talc-based cosmetics solutions. Certainly, it is time for a switch.

Talc is a mineral that’s acquired by mining. Its soft and absorbent properties allow it to be an ideal ingredient for facial powder and eye-shadow. It is the ideal ingredient, except for one huge problem: it creates close asbestos in character.

When inhaled, asbestos damages lymph tissue, resulting in cancer and other ailments. Cosmetic companies aren’t intentionally incorporating asbestos into cosmetics, but asbestos may overtake the raw talc.

But if companies are analyzing their talc for asbestos, the testing methods in use now come with constraints because different methods can sometimes yield unique benefits, which makes it hard to confirm that a product is free of asbestos.

Talc isn’t worth the danger. As more people become conscious of the matter, there’s pressure on companies to cease using talc within their goods.

No company would like to get cancer related to its own brand. This past year, Johnson & Johnson paid $100 million to repay more than a million lawsuits from those who maintain the company’s famous talc-based infant powder due to their cancer.

Asbestos, even just a very small amount on your talc cosmetics, is harmful. If you are a customer looking to remain healthy, look out for talc. For more comprehensive info about the best way best to steer clear of asbestos exposure in cosmetics, have a look at our suggestion guide.

Companies seeking to keep clients wholesome should get a safer alternative to talc. The evidence is apparent, and becomes better with each single study of talc-based products.

While eliminating talc from goods is very long overdue, decorative companies taking this small step ahead have the chance to produce a enormous jump toward corporate responsibility and customer safety. We deserve secure attractiveness goods: we shouldn’t need to worry that something we are putting in our bodies daily might increase our risk of cancer.