The Food and Drug Administration has proposed new federal regulations requiring cosmetic companies to verify that talc-containing products are free of asbestos. This move, prompted by a congressional mandate, aims to ease consumer concerns about the safety of cosmetics, baby powder, and other personal care items following numerous lawsuits claiming that talc-based products cause cancer. Despite mixed research results on the connection between talc and cancer, the possibility of contamination is acknowledged due to talc's proximity to asbestos in mines.
The FDA's initiative follows the testing of over 150 cosmetic samples since 2021, all returning negative for asbestos, indicating no recent safety issues. However, persistent worries about contamination risks led Congress to enact a law in 2023 obligating the FDA to establish new industry standards. Dr. Linda Katz, director of the FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, stated that the agency has "carefully considered the scientific evidence and complex policy issues," endorsing the proposed testing methods to ensure product safety.
Johnson & Johnson has been at the center of ongoing litigation, accused of causing ovarian cancer with its talc baby powder. The company, standing by its product safety, removed talc from its US market products in 2020 and globally in 2023, in light of legal challenges. A proposed $8 billion settlement by a J&J subsidiary, which involves declaring bankruptcy, is facing opposition from the Justice Department. The American Cancer Society notes that any increased cancer risk from talc is likely minimal. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
