● Guest Post Feature Provided by Angel Gil at The Mesothelioma Center ●

Protect Yourself: Avoiding Asbestos in Makeup Products

"However, asbestos is a notorious carcinogen, which means that exposure to it can cause various health problems, including cancer. While the use of asbestos in many industries has been banned in several countries, its presence in cosmetics is still a concern."

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in various industries for decades. It is well known for its heat-resistant properties and has been widely used in construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries. However, asbestos is a notorious carcinogen, which means that exposure to it can cause various health problems, including cancer. While the use of asbestos in many industries has been banned in several countries, its presence in cosmetics is still a concern.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in rock formations in various parts of the world. It is composed of thin, fibrous crystals that can easily become airborne and be inhaled. Exposure to asbestos can lead to various respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

How Asbestos Ends Up in Some Makeups

Talc is a mineral that is often used in cosmetics to absorb moisture, improve the texture, and provide a smooth feel to the skin. Talc is commonly found in many makeup products, including eye shadow, blush, and foundation.

Unfortunately, talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a mineral that is often found near talc deposits. Asbestos fibers can easily mix with talc during the mining and processing of the mineral, leading to contamination.

 

Alarming Statistics

"In 2017, the EWG tested 21 cosmetic products containing talc and found asbestos in almost 15% of the samples tested. The products that tested positive for asbestos included eye shadow, blush, and face powder."

The presence of asbestos in makeup products is a major cause for concern, and several studies have highlighted the alarming statistics related to its presence in cosmetics.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found asbestos in almost 15% of talc-based cosmetic products tested.

In 2017, the EWG tested 21 cosmetic products containing talc and found asbestos in almost 15% of the samples tested. The products that tested positive for asbestos included eye shadow, blush, and face powder.

The FDA found asbestos in several cosmetic products in 2018.

In 2018, the FDA conducted tests on cosmetic products containing talc and found asbestos in several samples. The products included eye shadow, blush, and foundation.

Johnson & Johnson faced several lawsuits related to asbestos in their talc-based products.

Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest manufacturers of talc-based products, faced several lawsuits related to asbestos in their products. In 2018, a jury awarded $4.7 billion to 22 women who claimed that their ovarian cancer was caused by asbestos in Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products.

Mesothelioma cases related to cosmetic talc exposure are on the rise.

According to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the number of mesothelioma cases related to cosmetic talc exposure is on the rise. The foundation reported that 33% of all mesothelioma cases reported in women in the United States in 2015 were related to cosmetic talc exposure.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos can cause various health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos and can take years to develop after exposure and makeup products containing asbestos can also pose a risk of exposure to children, who may accidentally inhale or ingest the products.

Understanding mesothelioma

"Symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to appear, which can make it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. However, early detection is critical for successful treatment and can improve a patient's overall prognosis."

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the body's organs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries until the 1970s.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to appear, which can make it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. However, early detection is critical for successful treatment and can improve a patient's overall prognosis.

Common mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is often one of the first symptoms of mesothelioma. As the tumor grows, it can put pressure on the lungs, making it harder to breathe.

• Chest pain: Mesothelioma can cause chest pain or discomfort, which may be sharp or dull and may worsen with deep breathing or coughing.

• Persistent cough: A persistent cough that does not go away and may be accompanied by coughing up blood or mucus is another common symptom of mesothelioma.

• Fatigue: Patients with mesothelioma may experience extreme fatigue or weakness, which can impact their daily activities.

• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is another symptom of mesothelioma, which can occur as the cancer progresses.

If you experience any of these symptoms and have a history of asbestos exposure, it is important to speak with your doctor. Early detection and diagnosis of mesothelioma can lead to more effective treatment options and better outcomes for patients.

To read more and get a more thorough understanding of mesothelioma symptoms, we encourage you to head over to their website here.

You could use these tips to avoid exposure from makeups that contains asbestos:

• Read the ingredient label before purchasing cosmetics.

It is essential to read the ingredient label before purchasing cosmetics to ensure that they do not contain talc or any other mineral that could be contaminated with asbestos. Look for products that are labeled as asbestos-free, and avoid products that contain talc.

• Use alternative products.

There are several alternative products available that do not contain talc or any other mineral that could be contaminated with asbestos. Look for products that are labeled as talc-free, and consider using mineral-based makeup products.

• Check for product recalls.

Check for product recalls regularly to ensure that the makeup products you are using have not been recalled due to asbestos contamination. The FDA regularly updates its website with information on product recalls related to asbestos in cosmetics.

• Avoid using old or expired makeup products.

Old or expired makeup products can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and they may also contain higher levels of asbestos. Avoid using old or expired makeup products, and dispose of them properly.

Canadian asbestos cancer rates continue to rise. The 2018 Canadian asbestos ban exempted the military and many other industries. There are still over 20,000 buildings that contain asbestos in Canada. - Read more here...

Conclusion

Preventing asbestos exposure from makeup is crucial to protecting our health. By reading ingredient labels, using alternative products, checking for product recalls, and avoiding old or expired makeup products, we can reduce our risk of exposure to asbestos in cosmetics.

The statistics related to asbestos in cosmetics are alarming, and it is essential to remain vigilant and informed about the potential risks associated with these products. By taking these steps, we can help to prevent the harmful effects of asbestos exposure and keep ourselves and our communities safe.

Thank you to our guest post sponsor, Angel Gil - an Outreach Specialist at The Mesothelioma Center, for providing this informative article. 

The Mesothelioma Center has been helping connect people impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure with reliable information, world-class treatment, legal service and more.

It is the nation's most trusted mesothelioma resource with an unparalleled network of professional contributors which includes board-certified doctors, researchers and other health professionals who are experts in mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases and cancer.

 Visit them and learn more at their website, https://www.asbestos.com/.

 

 

At QMBeautique, we believe that your health should never be compromised for the sake of beauty. That's why we are dedicated to using only non-toxic, minimal, and mindful ingredients in our cosmetics. But we know that our commitment to safety is just one piece of the puzzle. We need to work together to demand higher standards across the industry, so that everyone can feel confident in the products they use.

We invite you to join us on this mission. Share this article, start a conversation, and advocate for change. Together, we can make a real difference in the world of cosmetics.