Talc is Deemed a Robable Cancer Contributor by a WHO Agency

The World Health Organization’s cancer research agency issued a critical report on talc, stating it is likely carcinogenic to humans, primarily due to potential asbestos contamination in powders.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified natural talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A)” based on limited evidence linking it to ovarian cancer, sufficient evidence from animal studies showing cancer development, and strong mechanistic evidence of its carcinogenic properties in human cells.

It aligns with the findings of a significant study published in May, which indicated that using talc on female genitalia is linked to a heightened risk of ovarian cancer.

IARC Report Reveals Consistent Link Between Body Powder Use and Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk

The IARC report highlighted that multiple studies consistently demonstrated an increased incidence of ovarian cancer among women who self-reported using body powder in the perineal area. Although the assessment focused on asbestos-free talc, many studies on exposed individuals could not rule out asbestos contamination in talc.

Additionally, a higher rate of ovarian cancer was observed in studies of women with occupational exposure to talc in the pulp and paper industry.

The agency also identified an increased incidence of malignant tumors in female rats (including adrenal medulla and lung cancers) and both benign and malignant tumors in male rats (adrenal medulla). Talc’s impact on cells showed compelling evidence of inducing chronic inflammation and disrupting normal cell growth and death.

Johnson & Johnson’s US$700 Million Settlement Following Talc Controversy

This report comes shortly after Johnson & Johnson agreed to a US$700 million settlement in a major class-action lawsuit, which alleged that the company had misled consumers regarding the safety of its well-known baby powder and other talc products. Investigations revealed that J&J’s products contained trace amounts of carcinogenic asbestos.

The IARC report underscores its limitations, noting that the findings were based on self-reporting and observation rather than direct testing, and the agency acknowledges it could not conclusively determine that talc causes cancer.

“Additionally, biases in how talc use was reported in epidemiological studies could not be confidently ruled out,” the statement warned. “Thus, a causal relationship for talc could not be fully established.”

Challenges in Mining and Contamination Risks

Talc, a naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen, has been used in skincare products since the 1800s. While not all talc contains asbestos, the two minerals often coexist, making it difficult to mine pure talc. Furthermore, talc deposits can include highly toxic forms of asbestos like tremolite or anthophyllite, which are more carcinogenic than chrysotile, the predominant type of asbestos in the US.

“Raw talc is sourced from mines that may also contain asbestos and related minerals,” the FDA noted in 2020. “Purifying talc ores to remove asbestos is extremely challenging.”

Testing talc products for personal use is also problematic, and scientific studies have provided mixed results regarding cancer risks.

“Until more information becomes available, individuals concerned about potential links between talcum powder and cancer might consider avoiding or limiting the use of consumer products containing talc,” the American Cancer Society advises.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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