Asbestos Talc & Cosmetics
The link between mesothelioma and talcum powder
- If you have developed mesothelioma and have been a regular user of talcum powder based products, you may be able to bring a compensation claim for your condition.
- Talcum powder and talc-based make-up products are part of everyday life in the UK, but it is not widely known that some talc-based products could be contaminated with asbestos fibres.
- Many mesotheliomas are assumed to be due to previous exposure to asbestos dust at work but some mesotheliomas are actually due to exposure to asbestos dust via the use of talcum powder or make-up products which contain talc.
- Some cosmetic companies sell talcum powder on its own or use it as an ingredient in make- up products such as eye shadow, blusher and face powder. It may also be used in foot powder. It is used because it absorbs moisture and prevents caking.
- Our Solicitors have assisted numerous mesothelioma sufferers to recover compensation because it has been possible to link their disease to the use of asbestos contaminated talc.
Asbestos and talc
The mineral, talc, (also known as magnesium silicate), is mined in a number of countries around the world. A fact which is little known is that talc is frequently found in areas where the asbestos mineral is also present. They are “companion minerals”. This means that when talc is extracted at source and later milled and processed, it may be contaminated with asbestos fibres. This is a historic problem which is unfortunately, ongoing. Even in recent years, talc based cosmetic products have been found to be contaminated with asbestos fibres.
Asbestos is dangerous to health and its importation into the UK has been banned since 1999 and yet asbestos fibres are still found in talc and cosmetics available to purchase today. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can result in various diseases, including mesothelioma, a fatal cancer. The way we use cosmetic products means that if the product contains microscopic asbestos fibres, it is inevitable that we will breathe them in.
Has asbestos contaminated talc actually been identified in the UK?
There have been many reported incidents of laboratory testing confirming the presence of asbestos fibres within talc products for sale in the UK.
In 2017 it was discovered that asbestos contaminated talcum powder was contained in children’s make-up sold by Claire’s Accessories.
In 2021, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) carried out testing on some “child appealing” and “low cost” cosmetic products, which proved positive for asbestos fibres.
In 2022, there was a product recall for Purity baby powder by the Office for Product & Safety Standards.
In 2024, an investigation for a BBC documentary identified asbestos fibres in 8 talc-containing cosmetic products purchased from UK high street retailers.
Legal Action
Concerns about asbestos fibres within talcum powder have led to numerous compensation claims being pursued for people who have developed the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma. These claims are currently pursued in the USA but can be pursued for English based mesothelioma victims. At Hodge Jones & Allen we work closely with American Attorneys to assist in securing compensation for our English based clients who meet the criteria for such claims.
The companies referenced in relation to talc-related compensation claims are widely reported online and include: Johnson & Johnson, Avon, Old Spice, Yardley, Dior, Estee Lauder, Chanel, Claire’s, Clinique, L’Oreal, Revlon, Maybelline to name but a few.
Unsure if your mesothelioma is caused by talc?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our specialist Solicitors will discuss with you all possible sources of exposure to asbestos dust, including via talcum powder, and then advise on your options for pursuing a compensation claim. We will guide you through the legal process with ease, as we have decades of experience behind us of successfully pursuing these claims.
Does talc based make-up contain asbestos fibres?
Sometimes. Asbestos contamination has been found in some talc-based cosmetics sold in the UK, including eyeshadow, foundation, and powders, despite the 1999 ban on asbestos use in the UK. It is important to note that not all make-up products contain asbestos fibres and not all talc contains asbestos. However, asbestos fibres are microscopic and so it is not possible to identify by sight which products have asbestos contaminated talc within them.
Can talc be contaminated with asbestos fibres?
Yes. Asbestos and talc are both naturally occurring silicate minerals that often form together in the same underground rock deposits. Contamination occurs because mining companies extracting talc may also include nearby asbestos fibres. If not properly separated during processing, asbestos fibres can find their way into consumer products like powders and cosmetics. Cosmetic companies are not required to warn of potential asbestos contamination through the use of talcum powder in their products.
Are talc based beauty products contaminated with asbestos fibres?
Yes, some beauty products contain talc which has been contaminated with asbestos fibres. Relevant beauty products include talcum powder, eyeshadow, blusher, bronzer, foundation and foot powder.
Is using talc based products which have been contaminated with asbestos fibres risky?[
Yes. All asbestos fibres are potentially dangerous to health if inhaled and some people will go on to develop asbestos related conditions as a result, including mesothelioma which is a fatal cancer. If talcum powder or make-up products are used which are contaminated with asbestos fibres, those fibres will be airborne around the body and can easily be inhaled. Why put yourself at risk when there are talc-free alternatives available to use?
Is using talc based products which have been contaminated with asbestos fibres risky?
Yes. All asbestos fibres are potentially dangerous to health if inhaled and some people will go on to develop asbestos-related conditions as a result, including mesothelioma which is a fatal cancer. If talcum powder or make-up products are used which are contaminated with asbestos fibres, those fibres will be airborne around the body and can easily be inhaled. Why put yourself at risk when there are talc-free alternatives available to use?
If I have used talc products in the past which have been contaminated with asbestos fibres, will I develop an asbestos related condition?
Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos fibres will develop an asbestos-related condition, but some people will. According to HSE statistics, over 2,000 people each year in the UK are newly diagnosed with mesothelioma and this has been the case for many years . Some of these sufferers will have developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos contaminated talc use. It is not medically possible to identify who is at risk of developing asbestos diseases and so the safest thing to do is to avoid using talc based products.
Can asbestos in talc be detected if I look for it in a beauty product?
No. The only way to know if a batch of talc is asbestos contaminated is through specialised laboratory techniques. It is not possible to tell by sight which products are contaminated, which is why we advise to avoid all talc containing products so the risk is eliminated.
Does Johnson & Johnson talc contain asbestos fibres?
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has faced thousands of American based claims alleging their baby powder was contaminated with asbestos fibres, a claim the company has denied. While J&J maintains their product was safe and did not contain asbestos fibres, they have discontinued selling talc-based baby powder and have replaced it with cornstarch (which is not known to contain asbestos).
Is it still safe to use talcum powder?
The safest option for health is to avoid all products which contain talc.
Recommendations to reduce risk
If cosmetic products are “talc-free”, they ought to be safe and using such products is the best way to protect your health. There are many beauty products which are certified as being talc- free on the market, across all price levels.
To stay informed and to keep protected, take the following steps:
- Check Ingredients: Look at product labels to check if the ingredients include talc or magnesium silicate
- Choose Alternatives: Opt for cosmetics labelled “talc-free,” which often use cornstarch, arrowroot or kaolin clay as talc alternatives
- Be Cautious with Powders: Limit the use of loose powders which are more likely to become airborne than liquid products
- Monitor Updates: Keep updated by regularly the websites of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) for any product recalls
- Health Advice: If you are concerned about past use of asbestos contaminated products, seek medical advice.
