Korean Cosmetics Suspected of Asbestos Contamination

From:
(http://www.maacenter.org/news/korean-cosme...tamination.html)

Korean news sources are reporting that many Korean manufacturers of cosmetics and baby powder may have been contaminated with deadly asbestos.

The Korean Food and Drug Administration will ban the sale of cosmetics suspected of containing talc that has been contaminated by asbestos.

Over 300 cosmetics companies, drug manufacturers, and baby powder companies purchased the tainted talc from Duksan Reagents, which imports more than 20 percent of Korea’s talc.

The director of the Korean Food and Drug Administration has stated that a sales ban will be put in place on all products suspected of contamination as soon as a full list of these companies is compiled and confirmed.A sales ban on drugs suspected of asbestos contamination will be implemented after additional reviews have been conducted.

Talc is used in baby powder, powdered cosmetics such as foundation, and in the manufacturing of medicine to prevent the pills from sticking to each other.

Talc accounts for 70-90 percent of baby powder and 40-50 percent in face powder. The amount of talc found in drugs is under one percent of the weight of a single pill.

Talc is also used in food, such as to prevent chewing gum or candies from sticking to a wrapper. So far, Korean officials have not found any evidence to link the tainted talc to the talc used in the food industry.

While some companies are conducting voluntary recalls of their products, other Korean companies are refusing to accept responsibility. Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma, a cancer that can affect the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.

The Korea Federation for Environmental Movement plans to conduct a consumer damage survey, mobilize plaintiffs, and sue for mental damage against various manufacturers.

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I found this news article while searching for reviews about different Blemish Balm creams, or more popularly known as BB Cream. BB cream is a very popular cosmetic in Asia and as far as I know, it started in Korea. Girls are raving about it and I am dying to try it out one of these days. However, when I saw this article, I think we, as consumers, should be careful in choosing which brands to buy. Also, it is very important that the quality of the product shouldn't be compromised regardless of its price.

I'll be posting about BB creams soon. :)