Children’s Makeup Removed from Shelves after Reports of Possible Asbestos

This December, media outlets across the nation broadcasted reports about the discovery of possibly hazardous materials in makeup marketed to young girls. According to the news reports, nine makeup products sold at one of the leading national chain stores for young girls may contain asbestos. The retail chain that sold the products announced that they had stopped selling the makeup and would begin to conduct its own investigation.

The products in question are Talc-based cosmetics. Newsweek reported that numerous asbestos particles were allegedly identified in the samples tested, including the original powdered eye shadow kit sent to a laboratory by a concerned mother.

Any makeup applied to the face in powder form could potentially be inhaled. If a powdered makeup does contain asbestos, it could be a serious health hazard as exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. 

“Most parents today don’t think their kids could be exposed to asbestos or toxic heavy metals from products they buy in stores or online,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Unfortunately, these dangerous materials still exist and cases like this continue to happen. Several years ago, a fingerprinting kit marketed as a toy and branded from one of the nation’s best known crime television series was also recalled due to concerns over asbestos.”

To help prevent consumers from being exposed to these types of hazardous materials, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers product testing services to identify asbestos, heavy metals and a wide range of other chemical and microbial substances. These services can help to prevent costly product recalls, litigation expenses and challenging public relations for companies involved with producing, importing or retailing potentially dangerous products.

To learn more about EMSL’s product testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@emsl.com . 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail