Anyway, I have recently been told that some cheap cosmetics produced and sold in Korea contain asbestos. I had the same reaction you are probably having now. Like, really? How is it possible when asbestos has been outlawed for so long, and in the US anyway, such aggressive efforts were taken to remove it from all the insulation...
All you really need to do is google search this: Korea cosmetics asbestos
You'll find a load of media reports indicating the truth in this one. Apparently, asbestos, or asbestos-like fibers, were also found in baby powder (maybe other talc powder products as well?) and has since received attention from the Korean FDA. The Korean government has banned 5 cosmetic products from L'Ocean and recalled a baby powder made by Boryung Medience. Products from 7 companies which import or manufacture talc have been found to be contaminated.
And of course, all sources lead back to talc imported from China.
My favorite quote?
“It’s true that asbestos is included in various products but based on tests, it is not harmful to the human body unless its particles have direct contact with the skin or are inhaled,” said Jung Jong-seon, head of the human health and chemicals department at the Ministry of Environment. *can be found in the Joonang Daily articleNice, Mr. Jung. See, that's just the problem when you're talking about cosmetics and baby powder.
(Additionally, in a recent building inspection- Seoul, Busan, Ulsan- over half of the 153 buildings examined, and 33 of Seoul's subway stations contain traces of asbestos as well.)
The Korea Herald English report, 04/08/09
Joongang Daily English report, 04/07/09
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