Maybe She's Born With It, Maybe It's Mesothelioma: Makeup From Claire's Has A Lil' Asbestos In It

Hand up if you got your ears pierced at the local mall’s Claire’s as a kid & then cried until your mom bought you an Orange Julius from the foodcourt.

Just me?

Well that ear-puncturing gun isn’t the only painful thing about the global accessory retailer. According to recent reports there’s also a ‘lil bit of a known, banned carcinogen afoot; asbestos.

“But wait Kate, what is asbestos,” asked no one. Well I’m glad you (didn’t) ask…

Via the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center:

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has been mined and used for centuries because of its durability, heat and chemical resistance. At the height of its use, asbestos could be found in over 3,000 consumer products.

Over time, however, researchers realized that when asbestos materials are disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and cause dangerous exposure. When people accidentally inhale or ingest the microscopic fibers, the mineral can eventually lead to serious health problems, like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

When inhaled or ingested, the microscopic asbestos fibers work their way into the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Over a period of 10 to upwards of 50 years, the fibers can cause inflammation and scarring, which can eventually develop into mesothelioma tumors or other related conditions.

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So yeah, not great that asbestos has been detected in Claire’s makeups sold to tweens worldwide. At the same time, if you (or more likely a child you’re related to) has been using these products, don’t panic. Still concerning, but sounds like it takes extended use.

The disappointing thing is that this isn’t the first time it’s happened, and I can’t help but wonder how it’s happened again & who will miss the recall & continue using this stuff.

From CNN:

The FDA advised consumers not to use three Claire’s brand cosmetic products after tests found they contained asbestos.

The agency issued a safety alert on Claire’s Eye Shadows, Compact Powder and Contour Pallette, after they tested positive for tremolite asbestos. The FDA also detected asbestos in a Justice product, which had already been recalled in 2017, according to the agency.

The three Claire’s products are not believed to be for sale, but consumers who have them at home should stop using them, the FDA said.

In 2017, Claire’s took nine makeup products off the shelves following a report by CNN affiliate WJAR-TV that tremolite asbestos was found in the makeup.

Overall, I don’t think many people in my age bracket go into Claire’s anymore, but sheesh. I suppose it could always be worse…