FDA Panel Reaffirms Cancer Risks of Talc

THE WHAT? A panel of medical experts convened by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reiterated the cancer risks associated with talc, urging the agency to adopt new standards that would restrict its use in consumer products, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.

THE DETAILS The FDA panel, composed of leading scientists and clinicians, cited over 30 years of research linking talc use—particularly in feminine hygiene powders—to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Studies, including the landmark 1982 research by Dr. Daniel Cramer, have consistently shown an 82% heightened risk among regular users. Recent findings have also revealed asbestos contamination in cosmetic talc, compounding the carcinogenic threat. The National Institutes of Health, the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have all elevated their assessments of talc’s cancer risks, aligning with the FDA panel’s strong recommendations for regulatory action.

THE WHY?  This renewed scientific consensus places mounting pressure on the personal care and cosmetics industry to phase out talc-based formulations, particularly as legal and reputational risks intensify. With major players like Johnson & Johnson already withdrawing talc body powders from the market, brands across the sector face increasing scrutiny over ingredient safety. The FDA’s potential move toward stricter regulations signals a pivotal shift, underscoring the urgent need for safer alternatives and greater transparency in cosmetic product development.

Source:  businesswire

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