GENEVA (EFE).— Talc, a natural mineral widely used in cosmetics and baby products, is “probably carcinogenic to humans,” the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization (WHO), said yesterday.
According to the analysis carried out by 29 international experts from the agency, which will be published in the specialist journal “The Lancet Oncology” in 2025, numerous studies point to an increase in cases of ovarian cancer in women when talcum powder is used in the perineal region (pubis and anus).
The evidence for ovarian cancer is “limited”; however, there is “sufficient” evidence of tumor formation in animal experiments, and “strong” evidence that talc shows fundamental characteristics of carcinogen in primary human cells and experimental systems, the experts point out.
Overall, the panel’s assessment gives talc the second-highest likelihood of causing cancer, the Lyon-based agency said in a statement.
Another risk posed by talc is its possible contamination with asbestos, considered carcinogenic, which is dangerous both for workers during the production of its derivatives and for the general population, he added.
The WHO agency also said that acrylonitrile, an organic compound used in the production of polymers for clothing, carpets and plastics used in the automotive and construction industries, among other uses, is carcinogenic, in this case with an even higher probability than that of talc.
According to the agency, the highest risk exposure to this material occurs during the industrial production of these polymers, although the general population is also exposed, especially through pollution and the inhalation of cigarette smoke, both by smokers and passive smokers.
The studies, carried out mainly on workers in related factories, have found “sufficient” evidence to determine the incidence of this material on lung cancer, but “limited” evidence for bladder cancer.
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2024-08-27 14:22:10
