Asbestos Testing Services

Boston, Massachusetts, November 25, 2024

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted information about the recall of a batch of a brand of baby powder because it has the potential to be contaminated with asbestos. The company behind the baby powder recommends consumers immediately discontinue use of the product.

According to the recall notice:

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc, an ingredient in many cosmetic products. Asbestos, however, is a known carcinogen and its health risks are well-documented. During talc mining, if talc mining sites are not selected carefully or steps taken to purify the talc ore sufficiently, the talc may be contaminated with asbestos.

The baby powder was sold by a major online retailer and also sent to distributors in thirty-five states. The recall was initiated after routine sampling program by the FDA revealed that the finished products contained asbestos.

“The use of talc has come under increasing scrutiny over the past several years due to asbestos contamination concerns,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Talc has been used for years in countless cosmetic products and personal care items that people around the world use on a daily basis. Because there is the potential for contamination with asbestos, it’s important to test the ore.”

Helping to prevent these types of asbestos exposure risks are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. They have been providing asbestos testing services since the early 1980s and offer material, consumer product, industrial hygiene, and environmental testing resources. These services are available to mining companies, processors, manufacturers, importers, retailers, public health advocates, regulatory agencies, and the public. Not only can testing help to ensure product quality and protect consumers, it can also be instrumental for preventing costly litigation and product recalls.

To learn more about asbestos or other testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.