The agency cannot force companies to recall products found to be dangerous, and companies are not required to share safety information with the FDA.Īsbestos is only banned for certain uses in the United States. The FDA oversees cosmetics and personal care products, but has limited authority over manufacturers. There are no laws in the United States that require manufacturers to test the safety of cosmetics ingredients before going to market. “I don’t know what’s worse – asbestos in kids’ products or the fact that the FDA can’t do anything about it.”

“It is appalling that it’s perfectly legal to sell kids makeup in this country contaminated with asbestos – a known human carcinogen,” Janet Nudelman, director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, said via email. During mining, talc can be contaminated with asbestos, which can then potentially end up in consumer products.įirms say they have strong quality controls to identify it.Įnvironmental health advocates say a lack of stronger regulation in the cosmetics industry is the real issue. It is often in close proximity to deposits of talc, which is ground into talcum powder to make a range of cosmetics and personal care products, like baby powder, blush, eye shadow, foundation and more.

Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo Why does asbestos keep turning up in kids’ makeup?Īsbestos is a group of six minerals that occur naturally in the earth. Environmental health advocates say a lack of regulation in the cosmetics industry is the real culprit.

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