In 2019 Claire’s held a recall for products like the Jojo Siwa Makeup set as it tested positive for asbestos, a mineral found near talc. Talc is a common ingredient in makeup, baby powder, and building materials. It is nearly impossible to harvest talc without also harvesting asbestos.
Asbestos causes diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. It can also increase one’s risk for colorectal and intestinal cancers.
Del Ehemann, a chemistry teacher at Highlands High School, said: “Well I’m not happy about kids getting cancer from makeup and powder.”
Andrea Higgins, another chemistry teacher, spoke about The Delaney Cause, lead, and Claire’s makeup: “You have to watch cheap earrings, and makeup palettes, and it’s all geared to children so more kids are getting cancer,” stated Higgins.
The Delaney Cause is supposed to check for toxins that people can be exposed to in food, cosmetics, and drugs. It was implemented by the FDA to check for cancer-causing chemicals, toxins, and ad-ins for people and animals alike.
People experiencing symptoms such as a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, chest pain, or a crackling sound while breathing should see a doctor, as they might be suffering from asbestos exposure.
According to the Mesothelioma Center, as of November 2020, 14% of makeup products containing talc also contain asbestos. Consumers should check their makeup, look at how many contain talc, and look for things with no risk of containing asbestos.