Asbestos in cosmetic products

For decades, asbestos has developed a reputation for its serious health risks. Unfortunately, manufacturers are still using this hazardous material in many cosmetic products.

With the increasing prevalence of asbestos-containing products on store shelves, consumers should be aware of the dangers and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral that used to be common in many different commercial and industrial applications. However, since the late 1970s, the United States has banned it due to its dangerous health risks. The effects of asbestos on health are dependent on several factors, including the type of asbestos and the level of exposure.

What are the health risks?

Asbestos in makeup, mascara, eyelashes and other cosmetic products can jeopardize the health of the people wearing it and others in the vicinity. The most serious risk is mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer that comes from asbestos exposure. Asbestosis is another disease that exposure could eventually lead to.

What should consumers look out for?

There are a few ways to identify products that may contain asbestos. One way is to look for the presence of talc on the product’s label. While talc is a natural mineral, asbestos often contaminates it during the manufacturing process. When the Environmental Working Group tested talc-based cosmetics, 15% of the samples contained asbestos fibers.

Asbestos in cosmetics is a serious threat to both the people applying the makeup and those around them. It is important to avoid cosmetics that may contain asbestos at all costs.