In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, classified talc as “possibly carcinogenic to human beings.” While some industry officials downplayed the significance of the IARC action, noting that the classification also applied to coffee drinking, others took notice.
“As a result, Imerys, the supplier of talc to Johnson & Johnson, put the IARC warning on their product, but Johnson & Johnson did not pass the information on to its consumers,” says lawyer Allen Smith, who represented Deane Berg, as well as the family of Jacqueline Fox — the recipents of $72 million in damages from Johnson & Johnson last week. “At the very least, Johnson & Johnson needs to place a warning on its products.”
Meanwhile, here are five things you need to know about the controversy.
1. Talc is a mined mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. In addition to hygiene products, it’s frequently included in the manufacture of paints, paper, rubber, roofing and ceramic materials.
2. The link between talcum powder and cancer isn’t 100 percent proven, although lawyers cite 30 years of data indicating that use of talcum powder increases a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer by between 30 and 40 percent.
3. Talc deposits are often interlaced with other minerals, meaning the danger could be due to impurities rather than talc itself.
4. Why hasn’t there been a recall on talc products? The cosmetics industry is self-regulated, and the Food and Drug Administration does not have the power to force the issue.
5. Hygiene products containing cornstarch seem like the best alternative. Still, women may want to avoid applying any powder — talc or otherwise — to their private parts.