Asbestos-Contaminated Drugs and Cosmetics Recalled in Korea

On April 8, 2009, the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) announced it had ordered pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and retail stores to dispose of almost 1,000 drugs and medical goods that were confirmed to be contaminated with asbestos-containing talc or talcum powders. The goods had been imported to Korea from other countries.

The recall also extends to 11 brands of baby powder made from asbestos-containing talc. In addition, several cosmetics made by L’Oocean were included in the KFDA order. The suspect products are: Finish face powder; Double shading compact No. 10 and No. 20; Perfection make up base; and Perfection face color.

To date, there have been no reports of the tainted products being imported for sale in the United States. However, as was seen in the 2008 Chinese melamine contamination case, a number of tainted products found their way to many ethnic markets in the U.S.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease. If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form below, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.