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  • Children’s Makeup Recalled for Asbestos Concerns

    Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyers discuss the Claire's makeup recall over asbestos concerns. On March 12th, Claire’s announced its decision to comply with the FDA’s recall request and pulled three of its makeup products off the market because of concerns over asbestos contamination. Numerous makeup manufacturers use talcum powder in their products – despite the wealth of evidence that talc and asbestos minerals regularly form together and often create serious health hazards.

    Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges manufacturers to be cautious in their selection of talc mining sites and to carefully purify the mineral in order to prevent contamination, far too often dangerous chemicals and contaminants make their way into consumer products. Because asbestos exposure can result in lifelong or fatal medical conditions, if your child or teenager owns any of the affected cosmetic products, he or she should immediately discontinue use and return them to a Claire’s location for a full refund.

    Why is Talcum Powder Dangerous, and What is it Exactly?

    Talcum powder, commonly referred to as “talc,” is a clay-based mineral commonly used in cosmetic (as well as other types) of products. For the most part it is comprised of oxygen, silicon, and magnesium. Talc absorbs moisture, and is also used to prevent skin rashes and irritation.

    Although it has many uses, talcum powder can also be extremely dangerous. Even in its natural form, talc is notorious for containing asbestos. Asbestos is a carcinogen, or a known cancer-causing agent. Talcum powder that contains asbestos can cause cancers in and/or around the lungs when it is inhaled. It should come as no surprise that makeup products used on or around the face are likely to be unintentionally inhaled, especially by children using or playing with them.

    The Recalled Products

    Claire’s is recalling three different cosmetic products that were sold between October 2016 and March 2019.

    • Contour powder products (UPC 888711401947, SKU 40194);
    • Eye shadow products (UPC 888711839153, SKU 83915), and:
    • Compact powder products (UPC 888711847165, SKU 84716)

    Types of Asbestos-Related Diseases and Their Symptoms

    Exposure to asbestos can result in several different chronic and deadly diseases. Some of the most common ones are:

    • Pleural thickening, a condition that results in thickening of the lining of the lungs;
    • Asbestosis, which is a serious – and often fatal – disease that involves severe scarring to the lungs;
    • Asbestos-related lung cancer, and:
    • Mesothelioma: a cancer that affects the lower digestive tract, or peritoneum, as well as the lining of the lungs

    Even though manufacturers know how dangerous asbestos is, it continues to make its way into a variety of products. In this instance, children and teens were put in danger for asbestos exposure, and as a consequence, to deadly diseases and debilitating health conditions. This is one of the biggest reasons why it is so crucial to have effective and comprehensive laws in place that regulate product safety – but especially ones aimed towards younger (and therefore more vulnerable) users.

    If you have any questions or concerns about Claire’s recalled cosmetic products and want to speak with an attorney, please contact a representative at our firm who can help.

    Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Representing Injured Individuals Since 1947

    If you were injured or became ill as a result of a defective or contaminated product, please contact our Philadelphia product liability lawyers at Galfand Berger. With offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.

    ALLENTOWN/BETHLEHEM
    1-800-222-USWA (8792)

    LANCASTER
    717-824-3376

    READING
    610-376-1696