Can your regular talcum powder cause cancer? Here’s what WHO’s agency has to say

The Worldwide Company for Analysis on Most cancers (IARC), a division of the World Well being Organisation (WHO), has introduced findings suggesting a possible hyperlink between talc and ovarian most cancers. The choice was primarily based on the company’s evaluation of proof indicating a doable affiliation between talc use and most cancers dangers.

Talc, a naturally occurring mineral generally utilized in merchandise like talcum child powder, has been the main focus of the IARC’s investigation. Whereas most people are uncovered to talc via client merchandise akin to child powder and cosmetics, the company highlighted that essentially the most important publicity happens throughout the mining, processing, or manufacturing of talc-based gadgets.

Quite a few research examined by the IARC have constantly indicated the next incidence of ovarian most cancers amongst girls who use talc within the genital space. Nevertheless, the company famous challenges in definitively establishing a causal relationship because of potential contamination of talc samples with cancer-causing asbestos.

Kevin McConway, a statistician not affiliated with the analysis, cautioned towards viewing the IARC’s analysis as conclusive proof of talc’s cancer-causing properties. He emphasised that the company’s evaluation primarily focuses on the potential of a substance to trigger most cancers below particular circumstances, somewhat than definitively proving a causal hyperlink.

Lately, pharmaceutical and cosmetics big Johnson & Johnson reached a $700 million settlement concerning allegations of misleading advertising of its talc-based merchandise. Regardless of withdrawing these merchandise from the North American market in 2020, the corporate didn’t admit wrongdoing within the settlement.

In one other growth, the IARC categorized acrylonitrile, a chemical compound utilised in polymer manufacturing, as “carcinogenic to people,” citing adequate proof of its affiliation with lung most cancers. This classification raises issues in regards to the widespread use of acrylonitrile-based polymers in numerous client merchandise, together with clothes fibers, plastics, and carpets.

(with company inputs)