The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, has classified talc as a probable human carcinogen. Acrylonitrile, a compound used in polymer production, has also been listed as a carcinogen.
During a meeting in Lyon, France, experts from the agency published their findings in the journal “The Lancet Oncology” on Friday.
Talc, a naturally occurring mineral mined globally, was classified as a “possible human carcinogen.” This classification is based on limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans, primarily related to ovarian cancer, and sufficient evidence from laboratory animal studies.
Exposure to talc, according to experts, mainly occurs in occupational settings during its extraction, milling, or processing, or during the production of talc-containing products.
Millions of people are potentially exposed, especially through the use of cosmetics and body care powders containing talc.
While experts acknowledge some limitations in studies showing increased cancer rates, they emphasize that while the assessment focused on talc without asbestos, contamination with asbestos cannot be ruled out. Asbestos has been linked to cancer in most human studies involving exposure to this substance.
In June, American pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson reached a final settlement with courts in 42 U.S. states regarding talc-related cancer accusations.
A summary of studies published in January 2020, involving 250,000 women in the United States, found no statistically significant association between genital talc use and ovarian cancer risk.
Concerns about asbestos contamination of talc emerged in the 1970s, as asbestos is often found in close proximity to the raw materials used to make talc.
Some studies have suggested an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who use talc.
Acrylonitrile
The World Health Organization has classified acrylonitrile, a volatile organic compound primarily used in polymer production, as a human “carcinogen.”
This classification is based on “sufficient evidence of lung cancer and limited evidence of bladder cancer in men,” according to the IARC.
These polymers are utilized in the manufacture of clothing fibers, carpets, plastics for consumer goods, and automotive parts.
Advanced treatments for lung cancer reduce the incidence of the disease
Talc Classified as ‘Probable Carcinogen’ by WHO
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified talc as a “possible human carcinogen.” This classification was announced during a meeting in Lyon, France, and published in the journal “The Lancet Oncology.”
Talc and Cancer Risk
Talc, a natural mineral mined globally, has been linked to an elevated risk of certain cancers. The IARC’s classification is based on limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans, particularly concerning ovarian cancer, and sufficient evidence from laboratory animal studies.
Exposure to talc primarily occurs in occupational settings during extraction, milling, or processing of the mineral. It also happens during the manufacture of talc-containing products. Millions of people are exposed to talc, especially through the use of cosmetics and body care powders.
While the assessment focused on talc without asbestos, the IARC acknowledges that talc contamination with asbestos cannot be ruled out in many human studies.
In June 2023, Johnson & Johnson reached a final settlement with courts in 42 US states regarding talc-related cancer claims.
Talc and Ovarian Cancer: Unclear Link
A summary of studies published in January 2020, involving 250,000 women in the United States, found no statistical association between genital talc use and ovarian cancer risk.
However, earlier studies have suggested a possible link between talc use and increased ovarian cancer risk.
Concerns about talc contaminated with asbestos emerged in the 1970s. Asbestos is often found near the raw materials used for talc production.
Acrylonitrile: Classified as a Carcinogen
The WHO has also classified acrylonitrile as a “carcinogen” to humans. Acrylonitrile is a volatile organic compound used primarily in the production of polymers.
The classification is based on “sufficient evidence that lung cancer occurs in humans, with limited evidence of bladder cancer in men,” according to the IARC.
These polymers are used in the manufacturing of clothing fibers, carpets, and plastics for consumer products like auto parts.
Conclusion
The IARC’s classification of talc as a probable carcinogen highlights the potential risks associated with exposure to this mineral. While the link between talc and ovarian cancer remains unclear, the potential for asbestos contamination warrants concern. Acrylonitrile’s classification as a carcinogen emphasizes the need for caution in handling and using products containing this compound.