IARC Says Talc is Probably Carcinogenic
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer found that talc “probably” causes cancer. The reason being that the mineral used in many different products like cosmetics, talcum powders, children’s toys, and food can be contaminated with asbestos. The agency reports that there is “strong mechanistic evidence” the mineral can show “key characteristics of carcinogens in human primary cells and experimental systems” and there is limited evidence talc can cause ovarian cancer in humans. According to sufficient evidence, talc is linked to cancer in experimental animals. These findings support the National institutes of Health’s study that was released in May 2024. The NIH’s study involved more than 50,000 women and found that the risk of ovarian cancer is higher for people who used talc-based powder more frequently over long periods of time. There were numerous studies that showed that there was an increase in incidence of ovarian cancer in humans self-reporting the use of body powder in the perineal region. The evaluation focused on talc not containing asbestos, but asbestos contamination could not be ruled out in most of the studies of exposed humans.
The health report came out as Johnson & Johnson faces more than 60,000 lawsuits claiming that its talc-based products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. According to court documents, J&J knew that its talc-based products were contaminated with asbestos since the 1950s. It stopped talc-based product sales in 2023. The report comes out a month after Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $700 million to settle an investigation into marketing practices of the company’s talc-based products. The settlement addresses allegations that the company deceived consumers into believing its talc products, including Johnson’s Baby Powder and Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower, were safe. In May 2024, the company also proposed a $6.475 billion settlement to resolve all current and future claims that its talc-based products caused ovarian cancer. If approved, it would settle 99.75 percent of the remaining talc lawsuits the company faces nationwide. Talc has been used in baby powder, cosmetics, skincare products, and deodorant since the 1800s. Talc can easily become contaminated with asbestos since both minerals form close together in the earth. Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma.
Did you use talc and later were diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer? Contact us today by calling 412-471-3980 or by filling out our contact form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
