FDA Moves to Standardize Testing for Asbestos in Talc Products

Testing talc for the presence of asbestos

With mounting evidence showing the connection between talcum powder and asbestos, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule to implement standardized testing on all talc products in an effort to protect consumers.

Since talc naturally occurs near asbestos, it may become contaminated with asbestos fibers during the mining process.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Exposure to even small amounts of asbestos in talc may cause serious illnesses like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Despite this, many companies continue to sell products with talc, including face powders, eye shadow, and talcum powder. This new rule from the FDA would require mandated testing to ensure these products don’t contain asbestos.

As a national asbestos law firm, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of families pursue justice and compensation for illnesses caused by this toxic mineral.

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What the FDA’s Proposed Talc Rule Entails

The FDA’s proposed rule would require companies to use two different testing methods on samples from each batch of talc to check for potential asbestos contamination.

The recommended testing methods include:

  • Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy/Selected Area Electron Diffraction (TEM/EDS/SAED)

These testing methods can detect asbestos fibers that are usually too small to be seen with the naked eye. This way, the FDA can help ensure that talc products aren’t tainted with asbestos.

Failing to comply with these testing regulations would result in the product being deemed adulterated or unsafe for use.

The FDA will accept comments from the public and industry leaders for 90 days before the talc testing rule becomes official.

The Importance of FDA Talc Testing for Asbestos

Currently, there’s no standard way of testing for asbestos in cosmetic products containing talc. As a result, countless Americans may have unknowingly been exposed to this hazardous substance.

Even products that contain trace amounts of asbestos can potentially cause serious, life-threatening diseases.

Illnesses linked to asbestos-contaminated talc include: 

The proposed FDA talc testing rule marks an important step toward holding companies accountable for the quality of materials found in their products and keeping the public safe from asbestos.

Companies like Johnson & Johnson and Avon have already paid significant amounts to consumers who developed cancer after using their talc products. This rule from the FDA will help ensure that companies are held to a higher standard in the future.

Thousands of Talc & Asbestos Lawsuits

The FDA’s proposal comes after thousands of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed against companies that made or sold talc products.

Find out more about some of the legal battles involving talc and asbestos:

  • Over 62,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against J&J as of January 2025.
  • The cosmetics company Avon Products has paid over $225 Million in asbestos settlements and legal fees. They declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024.
  • Whittaker Clark & Daniels, a talc supplier for Old Spice, had to pay $4.8 Million after a user of their product developed mesothelioma.

Many well-known companies have been ordered to pay millions in settlements and verdicts for illnesses caused by asbestos-contaminated talc.

Thousands of cases are still pending, with more filed every day. Make sure you’ve gotten the latest talcum powder lawsuit updates, so you know where litigation stands.

How to Know If Talc Is Asbestos-Free

If a product contains talc, it’s possible it also contains asbestos fibers. Until the new testing regulations from the FDA are implemented, consumers will have to rely on other methods to ensure their cosmetics are safe.

While only scientific testing can guarantee that a product doesn’t contain asbestos, there are ways to reduce your risk of exposure to asbestos in talc:

  • Check labels for any mention of talc in the ingredients list
  • Safely dispose of talc products in your home by placing them in a sealable bag and throwing them away
  • Research and use products from talc-free brands, like Pacifica and Milk Makeup

If one of your favorite products contains talc, consider finding an alternative that is sold by another brand. Making this change can help reduce your risk of asbestos exposure and potentially prevent illnesses like mesothelioma.

When the FDA’s rule takes effect, thorough asbestos testing will be the new standard, and consumers may be able to use talc products with greater confidence.

If you’ve developed an asbestos-related disease but aren’t sure how you came into contact with this toxic mineral, our team can help you prove how you were exposed to asbestos.

Get Help for Illnesses Caused by Asbestos in Talc

While the FDA’s efforts may help make talc products safer in the future, countless consumers may have already been unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, Sokolove Law is here to help. Since our founding over 45 years ago, we’ve secured more than $5.6 Billion for victims impacted by asbestos exposure.

Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review. Let us fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Author:
Sokolove Law Team

Contributing Authors

The Sokolove Law Content Team is made up of writers, editors, and journalists. We work with case managers and attorneys to keep site information up to date and accurate. Our site has a wealth of resources available for victims of wrongdoing and their families.

Last modified: January 30, 2025

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