Dynacare Baby Powder Recall Issued Over Asbestos Contamination Risk

Dynarex Corporation is recalling dozens of cases of baby powder sold in a number of different states and on Amazon.com, because they may contain cancer-causing asbestos contamination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the Dynacare Baby Powder recall on September 19, after routine sample testing detected asbestos in the talcum powder-based products. However, the products have already been in the hands of consumers since March.

The recalled baby powder is manufactured with talc, which is a mineral that has been used in cosmetic powders and other personal care products for decades. However, there is now growing evidence that talc often contains toxic elements, such as asbestos, depending on where it is mined.

Baby Powder Asbestos Concerns

The Dynacare Baby Powder recall comes amid rising concerns about talcum powder asbestos contamination, which may increase the risk of mesothelioma and a number of other serious ailments.

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of cancer, which is only known to occur as a result of exposure to toxic asbestos particles. While no illnesses or deaths have been reported among users of Dynacare Baby Powder, most cases of mesothelioma do not develop until decades after exposure.

In 2020, a study directly linked asbestos in talcum powder to mesothelioma risks, indicating that cosmetic talcum powder products contaminated with anthophyllite and tremolite asbestos contaminants can lead to the development of the cancer.

Concerns about talc contamination grew substantially after Johnson & Johnson issued a similar Baby Powder recall in October 2019, after testing determined that some bottles of their popular talcum powder products contained levels of chrysotile asbestos.

Johnson & Johnson now faces tens of thousands of Baby Powder lawsuits and Shower-to-Shower lawsuits filed in recent years, including both mesothelioma lawsuits and claims brought by adult women who developed ovarian cancer after applying the products to their genitals for feminine hygiene. The company indicates that it has settled more than 90% of the mesothelioma claims, but it is still struggling to reach a settlement agreement to resolve the bulk of the ovarian cancer lawsuits.

“Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc, an ingredient in many cosmetic products,” the Dynarex Corporation indicated in the recall announcement issued this week. “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 recall affects 62 cases of Dynacare Baby Powder, with an item number of 4875, and a batch number of B 051. The baby powder was distributed on or after March 11, 2024, by direct delivery to Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, Washington and Wisconsin. It was also sold on Amazon.com.

The company has indicated it has ceased distribution of the products and is investigating the cause of the contamination.

The manufacturer urges consumers who have purchased the affected baby powder to stop using it immediately and return it for a full refund.

Consumers can contact Dynarex Corporation at 888-396-2739 or 845-365-8200. They can also send an email to recall@dynarex.com for any questions or information on how to receive a refund.