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According to a study that was commissioned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), one in seven cosmetic products contain levels of asbestos. Many products that contain talc are contaminated with asbestos. In fact, the researchers found that nearly 15 percent of the cosmetic samples that were tested had traces of asbestos. Many experts are concerned that cosmetic users are breathing in the dangerous asbestos particles. This could lead to a variety of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma.
Since talc and asbestos reside in similar locations, asbestos can cling onto talc when it is mined. Talc is found in most makeup products due to its unique qualities that make it ideal for reducing shine and imperfections. However, this study highlights the dangers of contaminated talc. This concern is further intensified since the government has little to no regulations on cosmetic products.
According to the Mesothelioma Center, asbestos is a minerals that has unique qualities, including heat-resistance. Since the mineral is deemed useful, it was frequently used in infrastructure and machinery for fireproofing purposes. It was incredibly popular until scientists found that asbestos is also carcinogenic.
Asbestos is especially dangerous when it is inhaled or ingested because the fibers become trapped in the lining of the lungs or the abdomen and can irritate the tissues. This ultimately leads to scarring, which can further progress the disease for a patient. Cosmetic products are frequently put on the face. Products include lipstick, foundation, blush, eye shadow, and other well-known items. Since these products are in such close proximity to the mouth and the nose, consumers can easily inhale or ingest the asbestos fibers.
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult. It is challenging to determine a patient’s asbestos exposure history because a diagnosis often comes years or even decades after exposure. This can make it difficult for a patient to determine who is liable for their mesothelioma diagnosis. A victim who is struggling with this is encouraged to contact a lawyer for guidance and legal recommendations.
A new study from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed startling new information regarding the asbestos contamination of cosmetic products that are on the market. The test found that 12 out of 52 total cosmetic items examined contained asbestos, a deadly carcinogen that is linked to diseases, including mesothelioma. The results indicate that 23 percent of all items tested are contaminated with asbestos. This raises some serious health concerns for those who use cosmetic products, including both children and adults.
In the study, the FDA found that each item either had tremolite asbestos or chrysotile asbestos. According to the Mesothelioma Center, chrysotile asbestos is the most commonly found asbestos while tremolite is often found in talc; an ingredient that is frequently found in cosmetics. Chrysotile is also the type of asbestos that is most likely to cause mesothelioma.
While most of the products only contained less than one percent of asbestos, the highest percentage was a concerning 15 percent. Ten of the 142 total samples included both chrysotile and tremolite asbestos. However, there were 21 total samples with asbestos contamination. This study proves the prevalence of asbestos contamination in cosmetic products.
In response to these results, the FDA is looking into a new testing protocol for cosmetic products and similar items. However, some individuals may have already begun seeing their health decline as a result of asbestos contamination. A patient with an asbestos-related disease should contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help support a victim by securing their entitled compensation.
The reason why this contamination occurs is because many cosmetic products contain talc. Talc is a mineral that is often an ingredient in cosmetic products due to its ability to dilute pigmented products and create a soft texture. It also absorbs moisture, which is seen as a benefit for those who have an oily skin type. Its texture makes it a good candidate for filler in cosmetic products, including foundations, finishing powders, eye shadows, and blushes.
There is currently little to no regulations from the FDA on cosmetic talc. Talc is often found in similar areas as asbestos. Since they are close together, asbestos often contaminates the talc that is mined for cosmetic purposes. Ultimately, this leads to the contamination of the cosmetic products that are sold on the market, which puts consumers’ health at risk. The FDA also does not regulate cosmetic ingredients except for color additives because of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Cosmetic companies do not need to perform any tests on the talc in their products.
The best way to prevent asbestos exposure in cosmetic products is through government regulation from the FDA. Until then, companies should be selective in where they get their talc. The FDA recommends that companies use talc mining sites that purify the talc. This helps to avoid any asbestos contamination in the mineral. Consumers can also play a role in avoiding asbestos exposure by selecting cosmetic products without talc.
A victim facing a mesothelioma diagnosis should immediately contact a lawyer. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. This diagnosis is devastating for a family, both emotionally and financially. Many mesothelioma patients find that their declining health prevents them from working and making an income. Lost wages and expensive medical bills creates financial hardship for a victim and their family, but a lawyer can help.
It is often difficult for a mesothelioma patient to determine what led to their diagnosis. Since a mesothelioma diagnosis often comes decades after exposure, a patient might find it difficult to determine who is liable. A lawyer can help a patient identify who is responsible for their diagnosis and how to file a lawsuit against them. A lawyer will also help a victim maximize their compensation for their losses, which can help pay for the expenses related to the diagnosis. A lawyer can take over the legal battle while the patient focuses on their health and spends quality time with their family.
If you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease because of exposure through your cosmetic products, you should contact a Philadelphia asbestos lawyer at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. Our legal team can help you secure compensation. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 215-569-4000. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.