Children’s Product Warning Label Act of 2018
A BILL
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that children’s cosmetics containing talc include an appropriate warning unless the cosmetics are demonstrated to be asbestos-free, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Labeling of talc in children’s cosmetics
“(g) If it is marketed for use in children (meaning individuals under the age of 18) and contains talc (as defined in section 604) unless—
“(1) its label includes the following statement printed in conspicuous text: “WARNING: Talc has not been evaluated for asbestos contamination. Asbestos at any level is known to the FDA to cause cancer, including lung cancer and mesothelioma and may be present in this product. This product is not suitable for use by children.”; or
“(2) a waiver is in effect with respect to the cosmetic pursuant to section 604.”
“604. Premarket safety verification of talc content
“(a) In general—The Secretary shall waive the applicability of section 602(g)(1) with respect to a cosmetic containing talc if the manufacturer of the cosmetic—
“(1) attests in writing to the Secretary that the source of the talc is an asbestos-free mine; and
“(2) demonstrates to the Secretary that the talc is asbestos-free using the transmission electron microscopy method.
“(b) Definitions—In this section:
“(1) The term asbestos means the asbestiform varieties of chrysotile (serpentine), crocidolite (riebeckite), amosite (cummingtonitegrunerite), anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite.
“(2) The term asbestos-free means containing no traceable asbestos fibers.
“(3) The term talc—
“(A) means a basic silicate of magnesium; and
“(B) includes talcum powder, hydrous magnesium silicate, non-fibrous talc, non-asbestiform talc, steatite talc, and fibrous non-tremolite talc.
“(4) The term transmission electron microscopy refers to the asbestos analysis method used by laboratories that—
“(A) are accredited by the National Bureau of Standards; and
“(B) use the protocol described in appendix A to subpart E of part 763 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).”