WHO Cancer Agency Labels Talc 'Probably Carcinogenic': What You Need to Know

The World Health Organization's (WHO) cancer research arm recently classified talc as "probably carcinogenic" for humans.

This decision by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has significant implications for consumers and manufacturers of talc-based products such as baby powder and cosmetics.

Experts Say Talc is 'Probably Carcinogenic'

The IARC's classification of talc as "probably carcinogenic" falls into Group 2A, indicating that there is some evidence linking talc to cancer in humans but not enough to classify it as definitively carcinogenic.

The agency cited "limited evidence" that talc use could cause ovarian cancer in humans, alongside "sufficient evidence" linking talc to cancer in rats. Additionally, "strong mechanistic evidence" shows that talc displays carcinogenic properties in human cells.

However, it is essential to note that the evidence is not conclusive. The IARC said in a study that "a causal role for talc could not be fully established."

Talc in Everyday Products

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral used in various products, including plastics, ceramics, paint, paper, rubber products, animal feed, food, fertilizers, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Most people are exposed to talc through baby powder or cosmetics. However, experts note that significant exposure occurs during the mining, processing, or manufacturing of talc-based products.

The agency highlighted numerous studies indicating a higher rate of ovarian cancer in women who use talc-based products on their genitals.

Despite this, in some studies, the potential contamination of talc with asbestos, a known carcinogen, cannot be completely ruled out.

Expert Warnings

Kevin McConway, a UK Open University statistician, emphasized that the IARC's classification should not be misinterpreted. "The most obvious interpretation is misleading," he said (via Medical Xpress).

The IARC's evaluation only aims "to answer the question of whether the substance has the potential to cause cancer, under some conditions that IARC do not specify."

McConway noted that since the studies were observational and could not prove causation, there is no smoking gun that talc use causes any increased cancer risk.

Talc Cancer Lawsuits

The IARC's announcement comes from major legal settlements involving talc.

Recently, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $700 million to settle allegations that it misled customers about the safety of its talcum-based powder products.

This settlement follows a series of old lawsuits, including a 2016 case where a US jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $55 million to a woman who claimed their talc products caused her ovarian cancer. Despite these settlements, Johnson & Johnson did not admit wrongdoing.

A 2020 study involving 250,000 women in the United States found no statistical link between the use of talc on the genitals and the risk of ovarian cancer. This highlights the ongoing debate and the need for further research.

In addition to talc, the IARC also classified acrylonitrile, a chemical compound used in making textiles, resins, rubber, and plastics, as "carcinogenic to humans." This classification falls into Group 1 and is based on "sufficient evidence" linking acrylonitrile to lung cancer.

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