Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate materials. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can be lodged into certain organ linings resulting in an aggressive form of cancer called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which begins in the lining of the lungs. There are three other types of mesothelioma that begin in the lining of the abdomen, heart, or testicles. Pericardial and testicular mesothelioma are extremely rare, affecting about 1 percent of mesothelioma victims. Asbestos is a carcinogen, and no amount of exposure is safe, although longer exposure tends to result in a greater chance of developing an asbestos-related disease. A 2024 investigation by the BBC discovered that asbestos is still in some makeups.
Investigation
The BBC investigated eight commercially available cosmetic samples that had talc in them and found that two of the samples contained trace levels of asbestos in them. In general, asbestos is not intentionally put into these products. However, talcum rock and asbestos are located close to one another in the ground. When talcum rock is mined there can be asbestos contamination. When the talcum rock is mined, it is then powdered to produce talc, which is used in a variety of cosmetic products. If there are even trace amounts of asbestos in this talc it is dangerous to consumers.
Based on data from 2022, 7.3 million tons of talcum are mined each year. If this talc also contains asbestos, it is problematic. Powder makeup is also applied to the face which makes inhaling the asbestos fibers even more probable.
Talc in Makeup
Throughout the years, many women have filed lawsuits against cosmetic companies for exposing them to asbestos through their makeup, which in turn led to them receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Talc exists in many makeup products including:
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Eye shadow
- Foundation
- Mascara
- Lipstick
This makes the fact that asbestos is still in some makeups very concerning as many people use this makeup on a regular basis.
Some companies that made and sold makeup products that were contaminated with asbestos include:
- Avon
- Chanel Inc.
- Claire’s
- Estee Lauder Companies Inc.
- Maybelline New York
To avoid being exposed to asbestos-contaminated talc, as asbestos is still in some makeups in trace amounts, there are a few things to consider. People can try to avoid using powder-based cosmetics as they are more likely to have talc in them. There are also other names that are used besides “talc” itself, so it is important to look out for that.
Talc-Free Makeup
There are various brands that sell makeup products that are talc-free. Some of these brands include:
- bareMinerals
- Burt’s Bees
- Everyday Minerals
- Milk Makeup
- SheaMoisture
- Smashbox
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease and believe you have been exposed to asbestos through cosmetic products, we have resources available to you. For more information, call us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form.
Sources:
https://theconversation.com/why-asbestos-is-still-being-found-in-some-cosmetics-233376
