Bill Introduced to Congress Would Help to Safeguard Children from Cosmetics Containing Asbestos

Last month, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell introduced legislation mandating that all cosmetics marketed to children are demonstrated to be free of asbestos or otherwise carry a warning label. The bill, Children’s Product Warning Label Act of 2018, was drafted after an accessories retailer that markets merchandise to young girls pulled a number of products from their shelves late last year.

“Parents across the country should have the peace of mind in knowing that the cosmetics they buy for their children are safe. Yet we were all stunned when a major retailer pulled 17 products from their shelves after asbestos was found in cosmetics marketed to children, including glitter and eye shadow,” said Dingell. “No child should be exposed to asbestos through the use of common, everyday products.”

“If the bill passes and is signed into law, it would require all cosmetics marketed to children to contain a warning label that the product has not been evaluated for asbestos contamination unless the manufacturer of the product attests in writing that the source of the raw materials is an asbestos free-mine,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It would also require that they demonstrate to the FDA that the product is asbestos-free using transmission electron microscopy. This is important to protect our youth because exposure to asbestos could potentially cause diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis many years after exposure.” 

To help companies test raw ingredients and products for asbestos or other hazardous materials, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers comprehensive testing services. Their scientists are routinely called upon to ensure materials do not contain asbestos, heavy metals and a wide range of other chemical and microbial substances. These services help to prevent exposure hazards, costly product recalls, litigation expenses and the challenging public relations faced by 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 43 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