Asbestos was widely used in the 20th century in products such as building materials, brake pads and even to simulate snow in films. In the 1960s, a link was confirmed between asbestos exposure and an incurable cancer called mesothelioma, which mainly affects the lungs.This discovery led to the ban on asbestos in the UK in 1999. Asbestos-related mesothelioma can develop 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals and inhaling it can cause damage to the mesothelium – the membrane that lines the lungs, heart and stomach. When inhaled, the fibers can remain in the lungs for decades, causing inflammation and, eventually, mesothelioma.
Despite the risks of asbestos, the cosmetics industry has not been able to completely eliminate the presence of the substance, which may eventually be in the composition of some products.
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Viruses could be a new weapon in cancer treatment; Understanding The discovery of new molecules could provide answers about cancer treatment What diseases can be diagnosed with genetic testing? Talc in makeup products can contain asbestos – Photo: Alim Yakubov/Shutterstock How asbestos can be in cosmetics Even if it is not used intentionally in cosmetics, products that contain talc can be contaminated with asbestos. Due to the geological proximity between talc and asbestos deposits, commonly found in makeup products such as eyeshadow, blush and post-facials, talc may contain traces of asbestos. In 2024, a BBC investigation revealed that some samples of talc-based cosmetics contained asbestos, posing a health risk to consumers. Talc is mined in large quantities, but the industry resists regulation and uses limited detection techniques such as X-ray diffraction. This means asbestos contamination can go unnoticed.
The risk of inhaling asbestos particles in powdered cosmetics increases the risk of developing mesothelioma, making the use of these products potentially dangerous, with little information about the risks provided to consumers.
Inhaling asbestos particles is harmful to your health – Photo: KPG-Payless/Shutterstock