Claire’s recalls makeup products after positive tests for asbestos
Health Canada requests data to verify compliance with national regulations
Jewelry and makeup retailer Claire’s is pulling nine of its products from stores in B.C. and across North America after reports of asbestos being found in some eyeshadow, lip gloss and makeup sets.
The products were removed from stores on Dec. 22, a Health Canada spokesman said.
“Health Canada is aware of the reports of asbestos found in various cosmetic products supplied by Claire’s,” Eric Morrissette said in an email to Postmedia.
“Health Canada contacted Claire’s, which has confirmed that the same cosmetics were sold in Canada.
“As a result, Health Canada has requested testing data from the company to demonstrate compliance of cosmetics sold in Canada.”
Claire’s, an Illinois-based chain that sells cosmetics and jewelry primarily to girls and teens, pulled the products after a Rhode Island TV station, NBC affiliate WJAR, broadcast an interview with a woman who works at a law firm that specializes in asbestos cases.
Kristiana Warner had sent her six-year-old daughter’s makeup to several labs and all found traces of tremolite asbestos, she said.
Exposure to the toxic fibres of asbestos causes lung cancer and mesothelioma.
“In the work that we do, we’ve come across contaminated cosmetics, but you just assume that a children’s product would be safe,” Warner said.
In all, she said 17 samples proved positive.
Claire’s told Postmedia on Friday afternoon that its tests, carried out by an independent lab, were negative.
“The initial results of testing by an independent certified laboratory show that the cosmetics tested to date are asbestos-free,” Claire’s in an email. “Out of an abundance of caution, additional testing is underway. We have also confirmed that the talcum ingredient supply is from a certified asbestos-free European vendor. We will continue to honour returns for any customers remaining uncomfortable.”
The Canadian Food and Drugs Act’s Cosmetic Regulations specify that “no person shall sell any cosmetic that has in or on it any substance that may cause injury to the health of the user.”
“Health Canada will continue to monitor the stop sale of these products to verify that they remain off the market,” Morrissette said. “Additional actions may be taken if the results of testing demonstrate a risk to health and safety.”
Earlier this week Claire’s posted statements on Facebook and Twitter to let customers know they could return products for refunds.
“As a result of the inquiry from WJAR-TV, we have taken the precautionary measure of pulling the items in question from sale and will be conducting an immediate investigation into alleged issues.
Claire’s has listed nine products that have been removed from stores:
Bedazzled Rainbow Heart
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Makeup Set
Metallic Hot Pink Glitter
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48-Piece Makeup Set
Mint Glitter Makeup Set
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Ultimate Mega Makeup Set
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Pink Glitter Palette with
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Eyeshadow and Lip Gloss
Rainbow Bedazzled Rectangle
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Makeup Set
Rainbow Glitter Heart-Shaped
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Makeup Set
Rainbow Bedazzled Star Makeup
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Set
Pink Glitter Cellphone Makeup
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Set