WASHINGTON — A new federal regulation proposed on Thursday mandates that cosmetic manufacturers implement additional safeguards to ensure that any products containing talc are thoroughly tested for asbestos contamination. This initiative, put forth by the Food and Drug Administration, seeks to restore consumer confidence regarding the safety of various personal care items, including makeup and baby powder.
The proposal comes in the wake of numerous legal claims against companies like Johnson & Johnson, tying their talc-based baby powder products to cancer diagnoses. Although the lawsuits have cast a shadow over the safety of talc, scientific studies have yielded inconsistent findings on its potential link to cancer. However, the concern about talc’s safety has existed for many years, largely due to its extraction process.
Talc, known for its moisture-absorbing properties and ability to enhance the texture, feel, and hue of cosmetics, is extracted from underground sources that can be situated close to naturally occurring asbestos. Cosmetic companies have historically acknowledged the risk of cross-contamination between talc and asbestos. Nonetheless, recent testing sponsored by the FDA has not identified any safety concerns; since 2021, over 150 samples of cosmetics tested for asbestos have all returned negative results, as noted by the FDA.
Despite these findings, the persistent worries over potential hazards led Congress to enact a law in 2023, which requires the FDA to establish updated industry standards concerning asbestos testing practices. Dr. Linda Katz, who oversees the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, stated that the agency has meticulously evaluated scientific data and intricate policy matters related to identifying asbestos in talc-containing products. “We believe that the proposed testing techniques are suitable for detecting asbestos and ensuring the safety of these talc-based cosmetics,” she mentioned in an official statement.
The ongoing legal battles against Johnson & Johnson revolve around allegations that the company’s talc powder contributed to women developing ovarian cancer when used for personal hygiene. A subsidiary of J&J has suggested an $8 billion settlement to resolve thousands of these lawsuits, which involves declaring bankruptcy; however, this proposal has faced legal challenges from the Justice Department.
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson ceased the use of talc in its baby powder sold in the U.S., transitioning to alternatives by 2023 for the international market as well. The company maintains that its products are safe for consumer use.
Establishing a definitive cause for cancer can be complex, especially with ovarian cancer, which is classified as a relatively uncommon form of the disease. Even extensive studies involving large populations of women may lack the statistical power to confirm a strong correlation or effectively negate one. The American Cancer Society suggests that, if there exists a higher risk associated with talc, it is likely to be minimal.
