Talc is frequently used in blush, eye shadow, powders, and other cosmetic items. However, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency on Friday classified the mineral, mined from the Earth, as “probably carcinogenic” for humans. While some who frequently use talcum powders are concerned about the most recent statement, an outside expert cautioned against mistaking it for a “smoking gun.
” Let’s take a closer look. WHO classifies talc as ‘cancer-causing’ Talc is classified under Group 2B, which comprises compounds with significant evidence from animal research but little proof of causing cancer in humans. The decision was based on “limited evidence” that talc could cause ovarian cancer in humans, “sufficient evidence” that it was linked to cancer in rats and “strong mechanistic evidence” that it shows carcinogenic signs in human cells, the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said, according to AFP .
The classification calls for more research and is not a final verdict. The announcement comes just weeks after US pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $700 million to settle allegations it misled customers about the safety of its talcum-based powder products. Johnson & Johnson did not admit wrongdoing in its settlement, even though it withdrew the product from the North American market in 2020.
The link between talc and cancer Talc is a naturally occurring mineral which is mined in many parts of the w.