In recent years, many mesothelioma and ovarian cancer diagnoses have been blamed on asbestos-contaminated talc in baby powder, body powder, and other consumer products. The link between cancer and talc has now put two of the world’s best-known beauty companies under the microscope, as L’Oréal’s U.S. business is reported to be looking to get rid of its talc lawsuit liabilities. The move comes at the same time that several members of Congress are questioning Revlon about whether it properly tested talc in its products for asbestos.
Facing Mesothelioma Lawsuits, L’Oréal Seeks Asbestos Exit
Lawsuits seeking compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses have been filed against several big-name consumer-brand companies. As of June 30th, there were roughly 760 lawsuits pending against L’Oréal US alleging that the company’s talc-based cosmetics contained asbestos. L’Oréal is denying the claims, and none of the cases have gone to trial yet.
Now, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the company has hired restructuring advisers to guide it in moving its mesothelioma and asbestos liabilities into a separate entity and selling them to an outside investor. While L’Oréal has not confirmed the report, if true, it would be a significant shift from what other organizations facing asbestos litigation have done. The company is reportedly looking to avoid the type of bankruptcy filing that Johnson & Johnson pursued unsuccessfully.
Mesothelioma Risk and Revlon’s FDA Warning Letter
In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to Revlon centering on the mesothelioma risk tied to the company’s products. The agency found the company couldn’t show it had conducted asbestos testing on the talc used at its Oxford, North Carolina, facility, relying instead on supplier testing that it never verified. The FDA did not indicate that asbestos had been found in any of Revlon’s products.
At the same time, nine lawmakers sent a letter to Revlon CEO Michelle Peluso warning that Black women and girls would be disproportionately exposed to the risk of mesothelioma if the company’s beauty products were contaminated with asbestos. They said that those in the demographic are major buyers of beauty products. Revlon says it stands by its products, is cooperating with the FDA, and is transitioning away from talc formulations.
Mesothelioma Advocates Call for Federal Rule for Testing Cosmetic Talc
Mesothelioma prevention advocates are seeking a federal rule requiring asbestos testing of cosmetic talc, but the FDA withdrew its proposed testing requirement last November. Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group argued that testing is the only way to ensure talc products are safe, and that Congress had directed the FDA to require it.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
