U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell of Michigan has introduced legislation that would require makeup sold to children to be asbestos-free or to show proof of labeling.
The bill follows a series of reports that asbestos was an ingredient in some highly popular kids’ makeup products sold at Claire’s and its subsidiary, Justice, a clothing and cosmetics store for young girls. The chain pulled at least 17 products off the shelves in the summer of 2017 after the presence of tremolite asbestos was first brought to light.
Claire’s has repeatedly denied the accusations and has said the tests performed to detect asbestos are inaccurate. However, the reports were enough to spark Rep. Dingell’s legislation.
Stated in a February press release, Dingell felt stunned after the retailer pulled 17 products from their shelves after finding asbestos in glitter and eyeshadow. She believes that experiencing exposure to asbestos using common, everyday products should not happen.
Cosmetics might harbor asbestos because talc is often an ingredient used in makeup formulation. You can find talc in areas of the Earth’s surface that tend to contain asbestos. It remains unclear whether the asbestos in Claire’s products is in relation to the use of talc or whether asbestos is being introduced through some other means.
According to Rep. Dingell’s office, the bill, titled the Children’s Product Warning Label Act of 2018, would require one of two things:
Sellers of children’s cosmetics would need to prove to the Food and Drug Administration the product is asbestos-free or;
The product would need to carry a warning label in lieu of testing for asbestos.
Currently, there is no federal law regulating the use of asbestos in cosmetics. If passed, this proposed bill would break new ground in the effort to shield children from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Being diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness or the loss of a loved one to mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer is hard. Contact a personal injury lawyer to understand your legal rights. Compensation is available for victims and their family members through trust funds and other sources. Don’t delay. Contact us online with your questions. Or, give us a call now at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966.
