When you purchase a product to use on your skin, the last thing you want is something that contains ingredients that could make you sick. This is especially true if you have heard that some cosmetic or hygienic items might contain asbestos. Is deodorant, makeup and baby powder safe for you and other Illinois residents to use, or does it contain dangerous amounts of asbestos?
Asbestos, a mineral that is often in talc, can cause serious illnesses after prolonged exposure. Talcum powder is widely used in health and beauty products, which may understandably concern you about the safety of these products.
Claim of asbestos in children’s cosmetics
You might have heard the recent story about the mother who bought her daughter some makeup from the store Claire’s, and sent the makeup to a laboratory for testing. The woman claimed that the cosmetics tested positive for asbestos. After subsequent tests of the store’s products in numerous states also appeared to turn out positive for the harmful ingredient, Claire’s pulled nine products from shelves nationwide and issued recalls. However, Claire’s is now stating that further testing of their products shows that they are free of asbestos.
Minimal risk to consumers states American Cancer Society
Household products have not contained asbestos since the 1970s, claims the American Cancer Society. Although there has been some concern about women developing ovarian cancer, the group states that you have little reason to worry about developing an asbestos-related illness from the normal use of products containing talcum powder. Usually, it is those who work in talc mines and other industries where there is a high amount of asbestos exposure who are at the most risk.
While there have been concerns about talcum powder in the past, the ACS says children’s makeup shouldn’t present worry to parents.