FDA Set to Scrap Asbestos Testing Rule for Cosmetics Amid Criticism
A proposed rule by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aimed at testing cosmetics for toxic asbestos is on the verge of being scrapped, sending shockwaves through health campaigners. The move was announced in a federal notice posted by the agency without explanation, citing concerns raised by industry players.
The rule, championed by Robert F Kennedy Jr, leader of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, aimed to reduce exposure to asbestos - a known human carcinogen linked to an estimated 40,000 deaths annually. Asbestos contamination has been found in various talc-based cosmetics, including baby powder used disproportionately by Black women.
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Vice-President Scott Faber described the move as "tragic" and expressed frustration that companies had successfully lobbied against the rule. The group had lobbied for stricter regulations around talc, citing concerns about the toxic substance's presence in cosmetics.
Cosmetic giant Johnson & Johnson, which has faced numerous lawsuits and billions of dollars in settlements over its past use of talc-based baby powder, appears to have been a key player in swaying the FDA's decision. The company had advocated for methods that could detect some but not all asbestos fibers, allowing it to sidestep stricter testing requirements.
The FDA's reversal comes amidst a tortuous regulatory process that has seen multiple attempts at banning asbestos use and failed efforts to pass similar bans over the years. Despite the high toxicity of asbestos, regulators have struggled to bring about meaningful change.
The move is also met with criticism from health advocates, who argue that the FDA's decision undermines their efforts to protect consumers from harm. "Nothing could make America less healthy than having a cancer-causing product in cosmetics," Faber said.
A proposed rule by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aimed at testing cosmetics for toxic asbestos is on the verge of being scrapped, sending shockwaves through health campaigners. The move was announced in a federal notice posted by the agency without explanation, citing concerns raised by industry players.
The rule, championed by Robert F Kennedy Jr, leader of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, aimed to reduce exposure to asbestos - a known human carcinogen linked to an estimated 40,000 deaths annually. Asbestos contamination has been found in various talc-based cosmetics, including baby powder used disproportionately by Black women.
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Vice-President Scott Faber described the move as "tragic" and expressed frustration that companies had successfully lobbied against the rule. The group had lobbied for stricter regulations around talc, citing concerns about the toxic substance's presence in cosmetics.
Cosmetic giant Johnson & Johnson, which has faced numerous lawsuits and billions of dollars in settlements over its past use of talc-based baby powder, appears to have been a key player in swaying the FDA's decision. The company had advocated for methods that could detect some but not all asbestos fibers, allowing it to sidestep stricter testing requirements.
The FDA's reversal comes amidst a tortuous regulatory process that has seen multiple attempts at banning asbestos use and failed efforts to pass similar bans over the years. Despite the high toxicity of asbestos, regulators have struggled to bring about meaningful change.
The move is also met with criticism from health advocates, who argue that the FDA's decision undermines their efforts to protect consumers from harm. "Nothing could make America less healthy than having a cancer-causing product in cosmetics," Faber said.
! I mean, how can companies just not have to check their products for toxic fibers? It's not like we want to get sick or anything 
. And what's up with Johnson & Johnson being all sneaky about it? They're basically trying to hide the fact that their baby powder is contaminated with cancer-causing stuff 
. We need stricter regulations, people! My mom would've wanted this rule to stay in place... she was always worried about her health 
. This is a step back for us and our safety 
.
so glad we live in a country where the people in charge think they know what's best for us... meanwhile, I'm just over here trying to keep my skin safe from toxic chemicals 
at least baby powder is on the list of things that can be contaminated with asbestos... can you imagine having to tell your little one that their favorite product might be giving them cancer? 
and yeah, it's no surprise that Johnson & Johnson was all up in this rule's behind... they've got a history of putting profits over people 
), so why are they still okay with it being in cosmetics? The EWG's Scott Faber is right, this move is tragic 
) when it comes to talc-based products. We need stricter regulations and more oversight ASAP 
. I hope health advocates keep pushing for change because I'm not giving up on this fight 
.
. I'm all for companies wanting to test their products safely, but this rule was supposed to protect us from harm 
. I'm so frustrated that the FDA is backing down 
. We need stronger regulations to keep us safe 
I also don’t get why the FDA would scrap a rule that’s supposed to protect people, especially Black women who have been disproportionately affected by asbestos. It feels like corporations are just getting away with stuff and it’s not fair to regular people. 
. I hope health advocates will keep pushing for stricter regulations 
FDA's about-face on asbestos testing rule for cosmetics is a huge fail! Who gets to decide what's safe and what's not? 
Companies like J&J getting away with it because they can 
. I don't think we should be worried about being sued for like billions 
, but seriously, it's gotta stop 