The long-debated topic is back in the news amid complaints from British and American women, a report from The Guardian and a proposed mega-compensation from Johnson & Johnson.
It may contain talc, one of the most commonly used ingredients in the cosmetics industry asbestos. And asbestos can cause cancer, for example, which is dangerous mesothelioma.
Using cosmetic products can then be an experience that carries a risk of cancer.
A syllogism reduces a question to its essential lines and should therefore be taken with due caution.
Especially since science is quite divided on these issues.
For example, Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest independent cancer research organization, says, referring to ovarian cancer, “There is no concrete evidence that the use of talc causes cancer.”
Johnson & Johnson case
However, at the same time, Johnson & Johnson’s May 1 a $6.475 billion plan in 25 years About 54 thousand women will be compensated that they present causes after getting sick due to traces of asbestos in the pharmaceutical giant’s talcum powderAfter ceasing sales in North America in 2020 and worldwide in 2023.
Now there are dozens, like A report on the subject published by The Guardian, even British women are suing major cosmetic companies over it. An issue that literally exploded after the publication of a Reuters investigation in 2018.
Asbestos in talc
Year talc is a mineral it is composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, is mined from underground clay deposits, and can often contain veins of asbestos. And to take advantage of its ability to absorb moisture and prevent product build-up on the skin, it is usually found in powder or cream cosmetic products such as mascara, lipstick, bronzer, eye shadow, blush, foundation or dry shampoo. When used in body products must be free of asbestos by law.
In this regard, the Food and Drug Administration reported that this is happening Since 1976. Big brands that use talc in their cosmetics reject any speculation about contamination.
It should be remembered that The presence of asbestos until the 1970s (a mineral found in asbestos) talc was allowed.
By analyzing internal Johnson & Johnson documents from 1957, The journalists of “Reuters” published information But The company discovered that it had been aware of high levels of the carcinogen in talcum powder for decades.
A 2021 study noted that “recent evidence has revealed that cosmetic talc is never asbestos-free.” AND GuardianWhile acknowledging that studies have not shown a causal relationship between talc and mesothelioma, he also noted that a study emphasized that The method used for analysis by industries does not allow detection of levels below 0.5%. “Contains no detectable asbestos, it is not the same as asbestos-free”, so it is emphasized.
Cosmetics and mesothelioma
Compensation offered by Johnson & Johnson, as well as reflections from Cancer Research UK, ovarian cancer related to the use of talcum powder.
He told stories In a report by The Guardian Instead, they focus on cosmetic products and another type of cancer: mesothelioma, which develops when asbestos fibers settle into the pleurathe membrane that surrounds our lungs or is in the peritoneum, i.e. the abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer and once it strikes, it can be incurable. lungs, stomach or heart. After surviving peritoneal mesothelioma but having her spleen, gallbladder, uterus and appendix removed, a biopsy revealed talc and asbestos fibers in her peritoneum, she explained. Guardian, talcum powder and powder used in childhood and excessive use of foundation and eye shadow later.
Reference is made later 2023 studywhose cases he presented 166 people are affected by mesothelioma, all are subjected to cosmetic talc.
Asbestos is one of the problems as a carcinogen long delay time, It can take more than 20 years after exposure to be diagnosed. And even vegan brands cannot be said to be safe from using talcum powder. It is the only solution that some cosmetic companies are starting to see displacement between items with corn starch.