Increasing evidence of asbestos in talc has led to thousands of lawsuits filed by mesothelioma and ovarian cancer victims who blame contaminated cosmetics for their illnesses. The Cosmetics Modernization Act of 2022 aimed to eliminate consumer risk by requiring asbestos testing of cosmetics, medications, and food; however, today the Food and Drug Administration announced that it is withdrawing its proposal for that rule. Despite his “Make America Healthy Again” movement’s stated goal of eliminating toxins, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed the withdrawal order, shocking public health advocates who have worked for decades to curb asbestos in talc-containing products.
Asbestos Testing of Cosmetics Could Have Prevented Mesothelioma Deaths
Though the FDA’s announcement indicates that it may consider regulating an even broader range of talc-containing products, including candy, flavored chewing gum, tablet medications, and dietary supplements, mesothelioma professionals and health advocates are expressing both doubt and concern. Asbestos in talc has been linked to deadly cancers: an asbestos uniquely found in cosmetic talc was found in a mesothelioma victim’s lungs, and the toxic substance has even been found in cosmetic products sold for children.
There is significant proof that some of the world’s biggest cosmetic companies have known since the 1950s that talc can be contaminated with the asbestos that causes mesothelioma, yet they did not alert the public of this until the early 1970s. Even then, the industry persuaded the FDA to allow companies to use testing methods that can detect some but not all asbestos fibers. Facing nearly 38,000 lawsuits, Johnson & Johnson discontinued its sales of U.S. talc-based baby powder in 2020 and has paid billions in settlements and jury awards to victims. The company is currently facing class action claims alleging the company knowingly poisoned consumers, while about 3,000 women in the United Kingdom took their case to the nation’s high court, alleging the same harms.
Mesothelioma Regulation Faces Ongoing Political Obstacles
Since being linked to mesothelioma, asbestos has been banned in more than 50 countries, but the United States is not one of them. An initial 1989 EPA ban was almost immediately overturned by courts, and later efforts failed. The Biden administration finalized an EPA ban late last year and began implementing the Cosmetics Modernization Act of 2022 provisions requiring testing of talc-based cosmetics, but now the Trump administration is moving to withdraw these protections.
Mesothelioma prevention advocates expressed shock that Kennedy would eliminate testing requirements covering not just cosmetics but medications and dietary supplements containing talc. Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group stated that “nothing could make America less healthy than having a cancer-causing product in cosmetics.” An FDA spokeswoman said the agency “remains committed” to re-evaluating talc in food and drugs.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease and you believe it is linked to exposure from cosmetic products, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
