In the past couple of months, reports have surfaced regarding the use of talc, a potentially dangerous substance, in modern-day cosmetics. According to a recent report by Thomson Reuters, cosmetic brands Chanel, Revlon, and L’Oréal are quietly moving away from using talc products in some of their products as lawsuits and consumer concerns increase.
The push towards the removal of talc comes from increased scrutiny by consumers and manufacturers. Many agree that talc, found in the same rock as asbestos, has the potential to cause cancers such as mesothelioma. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson have experienced thousands of cancer lawsuits due to talc powders and other products.
Per the report, luxury brand Chanel has removed talc from their loose face powder and dropped a talc body powder they’ve sold since 1924. Revlon has removed talc from its body products; L’Oréal is actively exploring alternatives for the talc mineral. Johnson & Johnson decided to stop selling its talc baby powder in the United States and Canada, stating declining sales.
Each of these companies claims their talc-based products to be safe. It’s public perception that’s causing cosmetic brands to remove products from shelves. When asked about the discontinuation of their powder product, Chanel representative Amy Wyatt stated, “We know that it was a safe product, but we determined from public perception to remove it from the market.”
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that results from ingesting asbestos fibers, and anyone can contract the disease. Asbestos is commonly found in places talc is mined from the earth. This means any product containing talc may contain asbestos. Ingesting even small amounts of talc over time may result in cancer.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there’s help available to you in the form of compensation. To learn more about mesothelioma or to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney, give us a call at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or send us a message.
