WHO classifies talc as “probably carcinogenic” according to studies

Health.- Talc, a natural mineral widely used in cosmetics and baby products, es “probably carcinogenic to humans“, he said on July 5 the International Agency for Research on Cancer, dependent on the World Health Organization (OMS).

According to the analysis carried out by 29 international experts from the WHO agency, which will be published in the specialist journal The Lancet Oncology next year, 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).

This evidence of ovarian cancer is “limited”, but there is “sufficient” evidence of tumor generation in animal experiments, and “strong” that talc exhibits key carcinogenic characteristics in primary human cells and experimental systems, the experts note.

In short, andThe review group gives talc the second highest level of likelihood of causing cancer, said a statement from the agency based in Lyon, France.

Other risks of talc

Another risk that talc implies, according to the WHO, It is its possible contamination with asbestos, considered carcinogenic, something dangerous for workers during the production of its derivatives as for the general population, he added.

The World Health Organization agency also indicated 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.

The highest risk exposure to this material, According to the World Health Organization’s cancer agencyYes, it is produced during the industrial production of these polymers, although the general population is also exposed, especially through pollution and inhalation of cigarette smoke, both by smokers and passive smokers.

The studies, carried out mainly on workers in related factories, They gather “sufficient” evidence to determine the incidence of this material in lung cancer, and “limited” evidence for bladder cancer.