Asbestos is a highly toxic, naturally occurring fibrous mineral. Breathing in asbestos fibers results in the development of several diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, etc. Hence, it is safe to say that no amount of asbestos exposure is safe for human health. In fact, even a minuscule quantity of can lead to the development of asbestos-related diseases. For this reason, the best way to protect yourself against asbestos exposure is to learn and research about makeup that contains asbestos.
Danger of asbestos
When asbestos fibers are ingested or inhaled, they can remain in the body tissues for several years. During this time, these fibers cause irritation which can eventually scar the tissue and develop a cancerous tumor or lead to other diseases.
The most common type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure is called mesothelioma. Presently, mesothelioma has no cure, which makes asbestos exposure highly dangerous. Unfortunately, there are thousands of makeup products used around the world that contain asbestos.
Can makeup contain asbestos?
In recent times, researchers have found that there is asbestos present in various makeup and beauty products. For example, there were heavy traces of asbestos found in children’s makeup sold at Claire’s and baby powder products sold by Johnson & Johnson.
In recent times, almost 15% of makeup products that have talcum powder contain asbestos, as they are neighboring minerals.
With these facts and figures coming to light in front of the public, many individuals with asbestos-related diseases or mesothelioma are looking to file a lawsuit against such companies. In such times, reliable law firms are stepping ahead to assist these victims in acquiring justice. An example of such a law firm is Simmons firm (simmonsfirm.com), where you can learn more about mesothelioma lawsuits and what steps you need to take to file one.
Most common asbestos-containing makeup products
Some of the most common beauty and makeup products that have been discovered to contain asbestos include:
• Face powder
• Face contour palettes
• Highlight kits
• Eye shadow palettes
• Blush
• Bronzer
• Baby powder (Talcum powder)
Most of the makeup products that contain traces of asbestos are in the form of powder.
The reason is that these companies don’t include asbestos intentionally. But because talc powder is a neighboring mineral to asbestos, it can get contaminated during the mining process. Some of the brands that have been found to contain traces of asbestos in their products are:
• Claire’s
• IQ Toys
• Beauty Plus Global Inc.
• Justice
• Jmkcoz
• Johnson & Johnson
Tips to avoid asbestos exposure
1. Avoid brands that test positive for asbestos
The first step you can take to keep yourself safe is to learn and research as much as possible about the products and brands involved in this problem. Once you have a list of all the brands and products that have a history of asbestos contamination, make a point to avoid them as much as possible. Even if the company claims that they have resolved this issue, it is safe to avoid them as much as possible.
2. Buy talc-free products
As companies are becoming more aware of this issue, they are opting to use alternatives to talc powder which have similar benefits. These alternative ingredients are:
• Rice starch
• Silica
• Lanolin
• Rice powder
• Corn starch
• Tapioca starch
• Zinc oxide
Some of the cosmetic brands that are offering talc-free products include:
• Bareminerals
• Burt’s Bees
• Echo Bella
• Affordable Mineral Makeup
• Everyday Minerals
• IT Cosmetics
• ILIA Beauty
• Jane Iredale
• Juice Beauty
• Milk Makeup
• Omiana
• Honest Beauty
• PUR Cosmetics
• SheaMoisture
• Smashbox
• theBalm Cosmetics etc.
3. Don’t assume it is asbestos-free just because the company claims
Just because a company claims that its products are organic, natural, or free of asbestos doesn’t mean it is true. Looking for an all-natural product isn’t enough to avoid talc that has been contaminated. Hence, without extensive testing, it is impossible to know whether the product is truly asbestos-free or not. For this reason, trying to avoid products that contain any talc is possible.
What to do in case of exposure
If you think that you or your loved ones have been exposed to asbestos and are developing several symptoms that align with the condition, contact your physician immediately. However, you should not panic immediately, as most people don’t develop a life-threatening or serious lung disease due to asbestos exposure. But that being said, it is still safe to seek immediate medical advice regarding your symptoms. You can discuss the following things with your physician:
• Past or present jobs of working in a cosmetic factory or with contaminated cosmetic products
• Living with someone who works in an environment that risks asbestos exposure
• Ensure that your exposure is documented in your health history
• Any particular test you need to undergo
• If you should seek a specialist’s expertise
• Get a diagnosis
Asbestos-related conditions stay undetected for so long because the symptoms can be similar to other lung-related diseases. Typically, people with asbestos-related disease experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, chest pain, etc.
However, if you have a history of exposure, demand a diagnosis for asbestos through a variety of tests. Some tests you will have to undergo are X-ray and CT scans. These imaging tests help the doctor detect changes in the lungs.
Research treatment options
It is impossible to reverse the damage once the lungs are damaged due to asbestos exposure. However, some treatment options for these diseases can help reduce the symptoms and slow down cancer’s progress. These treatments can help increase your life span and improve the quality of life with the disease. You may undergo oxygen therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or even surgery. All of these treatments will depend upon the stage and severity of the disease.
Conclusion
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you must contact an attorney specializing in mesothelioma cases immediately. With the help of an attorney, you can evaluate the grounds and possibilities of filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the contaminated product. If you win the lawsuit, the company will provide financial compensation for all the expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of the illness.
Moreover, they will also have to pay for ongoing healthcare needs and even in the case of wrongful death due to asbestos exposure.