Talc isn’t a health threat, but it is if it’s contaminated with asbestos. If you use cosmetics containing talc, there’s a chance they may have asbestos fibers which are known to cause cancer.
Talc has many uses in cosmetics, including:
- Absorbing moisture
- Preventing caking
- Preventing makeup from being transparent
- Improving the product’s texture
Talc and asbestos are both naturally occurring silicate (they contain silicon and oxygen) minerals but with different crystal structures, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Asbestos, unlike talc, is a known carcinogen when inhaled or ingested.
Both talc and asbestos can form in the same rock formation, so there’s potential for contamination, especially if talc mining sites aren’t carefully chosen and the ore dug up isn’t sufficiently tested. The issue of potential contamination of talc with asbestos first came up in the 1970s.
What’s the Connection Between Talc, Asbestos, and Cancer?
Studies going back to the 1960s suggested a potential association between using talc-containing powders in the genital area and the development of ovarian cancer, but the FDA claims no conclusive link has been established.
In April, Johnson & Johnson, while insisting their talc products are safe, proposed an $8.9 billion settlement of more than 60,000 lawsuits alleging the company’s baby powder and other personal care products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Studies have found that more than 60 percent of mesothelioma cases in women were likely caused by non-occupational asbestos exposure, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Has Asbestos Been Found in Cosmetics?
The FDA, in March 2019, advised the public not to use three types of cosmetics sold by Claire’s because testing samples showed the presence of asbestos. Beauty Plus Global and Claire’s subsequently recalled them. Beauty Plus Global recalled four more products in September 2019 because they tested positive for asbestos. Johnson & Johnson took its baby powder off the market the following month for the same reason.
The EWG commissioned testing of 21 cosmetics containing talc and found three of them contained asbestos. One of them was marketed to children. The organization states that the presence of asbestos in these products violates federal law, but the FDA doesn’t require pre-market testing or that companies doing these tests inform the agency of their results. Those testing products may use outdated methods that are not sensitive enough to detect asbestos fibers.
Have Laws Been Passed to Address This Issue?
Last December, Congress passed the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022, and President Biden signed it into law. It’s the first time in 85 years that federal cosmetics safety laws were updated. Because of the change, by the end of next year, FDA must propose regulations establishing and requiring standardized testing to detect asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics.
Like most federal laws, this is. The personal care products industry essentially regulates itself. To ensure the proper labeling and safety of these products, the FDA relies mainly on those who market them.
How Big a Deal is This?
Asbestos has been found in a small percentage of talc-containing cosmetics. The FDA announced in December 2022 that it had 50 cosmetics with talc tested for asbestos contamination, and none was found.
But even if the risk is low, given the harm asbestos can cause, is talc-containing cosmetics worth it? The cosmetics industry doesn’t think so and is replacing talc in its products. You should follow their lead.
Take Legal Action Now — Contact Our Mesothelioma Law Firm
If you believe you developed mesothelioma or another type of cancer because of talcum powder, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you’re suffering. We can be your trusted local law firm when seeking the maximum compensation for you and your family.
Call our office in Louisville at 855-385-9532 or fill out our contact form for to schedule a free initial consultation concerning your asbestos exposure case.