Talc exhibits many characteristics that have made it a popular ingredient in many types of products. Some products contain talc, and could harm users or workers who create them, including:
- Cosmetics
- Body powders
- Baby powders
- Crayons
- Ceramics
- Paint
- Insecticides
- Roofing materials
- Children’s toys
- Rubber
- Paper
- Paint
- Polished rice
- Plastics
- Insecticides
- Pharmaceutical pills
- Ceramics
- Roofing materials
- Paper
- Rubber
- Chewing gum
- Supplements
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF TALC
Talc is the softest of all earthly minerals, to our current knowledge. Its softness makes it particularly useful for a wide range of industrial and consumer products. Crushing the mineral into a powder form heightens the usefulness of talc, lending to various products its unique qualities of the ability to:
- Lubricate
- Resist high temperatures
- Absorb oils
- Absorb moisture
- Absorb odor
- Work as astringent
- Lubricate
TALC USE IN BABY POWDER
The primary ingredient in baby powder is usually talc. This is true of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, with the exception of bottles with the words “pure cornstarch” printed on the package.
Pediatricians urge parents to avoid using baby powder on babies, due to the heightened risk of respiratory illness, lung damage, or chronic disease. Now, with the knowledge of asbestos’ connection to cancer, the hazard warning rings even more loudly.
For adults and teens who seek the benefits of applying powder to the genital area without the risks of using baby powder, doctors recommend using cornstarch as an alternative.
TALC PRESENCE IN BODY POWDERS AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS
According to a 1976 article in The New York Times, consumers who used several body powder and hygiene products were subjected to asbestos-contaminated talc. The article reported that Mount Sinai Hospital tested 19 body powders and found that 10 of the products exhibited from two to 20% asbestos fibers.
The following products contained eight to 20% asbestos:
- Coty Airspun Face Powder
- ZBT Baby Powder with Baby Oil
- Rosemary Talc
- Cashmere Bouquet Body Talc
- Bauer & Black Baby Talc
These products contained asbestos concentrations of less than five percent:
- Mennen Shave Talc
- English Leather After Shave Talc
- Yardley Black Label Baby Powder
- Faberge Brut Talc
- Yardley Invisible Talc
HOW TALC IS USED IN COSMETICS
You can find talc listed as an ingredient in many cosmetic products. The substance may appear as one of the following names:
- Talc
- Talcum powder
- Cosmetic talc
- Talcum
- Magnesium silicate
TYPES OF COSMETICS THAT CONTAIN TALC
Talc is commonly used to produce and manufacture a broad range of cosmetics as an ingredient that facilitates the absorption of moisture, prevents caking, and gives a silky feel or opaque look to the makeup, where desired.
You can typically find talc in these types of cosmetics:
- Face powder
- Mascara
- Lipstick
- Foundation
- Eyeshadow
- Blush
- Children’s makeup
ASBESTOS-CONTAMINATED TALC IN COSMETICS SOLD TO GIRLS AT CLAIRE’S AND JUSTICE
When cosmetic products that were being sold to young girls at the popular Justice and Claire’s stores were suspected of containing asbestos, the FDA watched intently for the results from testing by independent labs.
The agency announced the results in March 2019. The tests discovered asbestos in three cosmetics products sold by Claire’s and one cosmetic product sold at Justice. The latter retailer recalled its product in 2017. The FDA requested that Claire’s also recall its products, but the retailer did not fulfill this request.
The agency has reported that the following Claire’s products contain asbestos and should not be purchased or used:
- Claire’s Contour Palette – Batch No/Lot No: 04/17
- Claire’s Compact Powder – Batch No/Lot No: 07/15
- Claire’s Eye Shadows – Batch No/Lot No: 08/17
ADDITIONAL TALC PRODUCTS AND USES
Talc is also used in the manufacturing and production of:
- Rubber
- Insecticides
- Plastics
- Paper
- Ceramics
- Paint
- Roofing materials
The mineral’s unique properties continue to promote its popularity for the purposes of providing pigment, fillers, dusting, and coating. Soapstone, talc in the form of a soft rock, is also used in the production of ornamental sculptures, bowls, sinks, and other objects that require easy carving, among the mineral’s other qualities.
ZANES LAW CAN REPRESENT YOU IN YOUR TALC-RELATED LAWSUIT
Consumers who have suffered illness after their exposure to talc are now filing lawsuits against the manufacturers who knew about the risks of the substance and failed to warn the public.
If you, too, have suffered exposure to talc, Zanes Law will do everything from A to Z to see that you get the compensation you deserve. We can discover which products contain talc and pursue potential damages if you were exposed and developed an illness as a result. Call (833) 214-0917 for a free case review and consultation.