The Environmental Working Group and Scientific Analytical Institute say inadequate testing of talc-containing personal-care products is to blame for findings of asbestos in cosmetics, including three of 21 powder-based cosmetics SAI analyzed at EWG’s request. They continue to push for updated testing standards that include electron microscopy as a core component.

NGOs including the Environmental Working Group maintain that the FDA’s testing results released on 9 March, showing traces of asbestos in nine out of 52 talc-containing cosmetics, signal a need for congressional action to tighten industry oversight. The FDA says the findings are not necessarily representative of the overall marketplace, with further talc testing planned for 2020.

US House Energy and Commerce Chair Frank Pallone took note on 16 January of the Environmental Working Group’s finding of asbestos contamination in a “Princess” makeup set intended for young girls. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-MI, will speak to the test results first, pushing her own legislation that would require asbestos testing of talc-containing children’s cosmetics in accordance with preferred methods.