A government rule proposed Thursday would require cosmetic companies to take additional measures to guarantee that any talc-containing products are asbestos-free.
The Food and Drug Administration’s proposal, which Congress has mandated, aims to reassure consumers over the safety of personal care goods such as makeup and baby powder.
It comes after years of lawsuits claiming a connection between talc-based baby powder and cancer against Johnson & Johnson and other businesses.
Although the likelihood of a connection between talc and cancer has been known for decades due to the way it is mined, research has produced conflicting findings despite the litigation.
A mineral called talc is used to absorb moisture or enhance the color, feel, and texture of cosmetics. It is extracted from subterranean deposits that are occasionally found next to the hazardous material asbestos. Cosmetic businesses have long been aware of the possibility of cross-contamination.
However, no safety concerns have been found in current FDA-sponsored studies. The FDA reports that since 2021, laboratory testing of over 150 cosmetic samples has shown no evidence of asbestos.
Nevertheless, Congress passed a bill in 2023 mandating that the FDA publish new industry guidelines for asbestos testing because to worries about the risk.
The FDA has carefully examined the scientific data and intricate policy concerns surrounding the detection and identification of asbestos in talc and cosmetic items containing talc, according to a statement from Dr. Linda Katz, head of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors.
In order to assist guarantee the safety of cosmetic items containing talc, we think the suggested testing methods are suitable for detecting asbestos, Katz stated.
According to the long-running lawsuit against J&J, women who used the company’s talc baby powder for feminine hygiene developed ovarian cancer.
An approximate $8 billion settlement to resolve tens of thousands of claims has been suggested by a J&J subsidiary. The subsidiary would file for bankruptcy as part of the agreement, but the Justice Department has contested that plan in court.
In 2020, J&J eliminated talc from its baby powder in the US market, and in 2023, it did the same abroad. According to the company, it still believes that its goods are safe.
Finding the underlying cause of cancer can be challenging, particularly when it comes to ovarian cancer, a very uncommon kind of the disease. Even extensive studies involving thousands of women may not collect enough information to conclusively rule out or demonstrate a definite correlation. According to the American Cancer Society, there is probably very little chance that talc will raise one’s risk of developing cancer.
The Associated Press
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!