The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to avoid certain beauty products due to the risk of asbestos lung disease, including asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma. Recently, two cosmetics companies, Beauty Plus Global and Claire’s Stores, Inc., issued voluntary recalls for makeup products found to contain asbestos fibers, discovered in the course of FDA testing.

The recalls come on the heels of litigation over asbestos contamination in products containing talc, a common ingredient in many cosmetic products.

Specific Products That Have Been Affected

Products that have been recalled are Beauty Plus Global Contour Effects Palette 2, Batch Number S1603002/PD-C1179 and Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set, SKU #88871136337, Lot Number S180109. The FDA advises consumers who have these products to cease using them and report any physical symptoms.

How Asbestos Contamination Occurs

Talc, according to the FDA, is “generally recognized as safe” for use in cosmetics and products such as baby powder, asbestos contamination of talc is not unheard of. Indeed, asbestos lung disease has long been an occupational hazard for talc miners. The reason, according to a 2010 report, is that talc and asbestos, both silicate minerals, are formed by similar geologic processes and are therefore frequently found in proximity to each other.

Asbestos Lung Disease and Cancer

Asbestos
comes in two varieties. The most common is chysotile, also known as “serpentine” or “white” asbestos. This type of asbestos consists of relatively soft, curly fibers. When inhaled, it can cause scarring of lung tissue, leading to asbestos lung disease such as asbestosis and fibrosis.

The other type of asbestos is amphibole, or “hard” asbestos. This type may consist of crocidolite, or “blue” asbestos, or tremolite, also called “brown” asbestos. These fibers are like microscopic needles that can literally drill down through lung tissue. Amphibole asbestos is the variety known to cause cancer; it is also the primary cause of mesothelioma, a malignancy that attacks the visceral lining.

Based on the outcomes of recent litigation involving talc, it appears that the form of asbestos that has contaminated talc used in cosmetics is of the latter variety.

Accountability

Recently, the major talc supplier Imerys Talc America paid more than $5 million to settle claims by 22 women who said its talc caused them to develop cancer. Earlier this year, Imerys filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, partially due to ongoing litigation over talc, asbestos lung disease and other forms of cancer.

Alternatives

For those concerned about contaminated talc and the possibility of asbestos lung disease or other forms of cancer, it’s a good idea to examine the label when purchasing beauty products. Talk is usually listed as talcum powder, or “cosmetic talc.” An internet search is helpful to find any of the numerous cosmetics made without talc. You may also wish to look for products from companies who certify the talc used in its products to be “asbestos free,” although evidence in recent trials suggests that such claims should be taken with skepticism.