Is Talcum Powder Safe?

The safety of talc itself remains under study as research continues on potential adverse effects. This naturally occurring mineral is mined and processed for personal care products, such as cosmetics and baby powder, to prevent caking, improve product texture or absorb moisture.

In its natural form, talc can be contaminated with varying levels of asbestos, a carcinogen that causes mesothelioma, lung cancer and ovarian cancer. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. So, is talcum powder safe to use?

Some studies suggest an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and respiratory diseases among talc miners and millers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems it unacceptable for cosmetic talc to contain asbestos.

No laws or regulations prevent asbestos contamination, making it an ongoing concern. As of June 2023, more than 37,000 talcum powder lawsuits were pending.

Some studies link talcum powder and cancer, especially ovarian cancer. Research is ongoing, but there are two theories regarding how talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer. The first hypothesis assumes asbestos contamination. The second relates to talc use on or near a woman’s genitals.

The American Cancer Society reports some research shows a higher cancer risk in certain groups of women who use talcum powder. A systematic review published in 2022 concluded: “This review suggests an increased risk of ovarian cancer associated with frequent perineal powder exposure of 31% to 65%.”

Exposure to talcum powder can lead to respiratory conditions. A February 2023 review of talc inhalation in both rats and humans stated that animal data, “Together with the pulmonary effects observed in exposed talc miners, a STOT-RE 1 classification is warranted.” A STOT-RE 1 category designates hazards found to be toxic to humans or animals after repeated exposure.

The FDA rates Talc as generally recognized as safe. It’s considered safe for skin use and ingestion in food products when mined, manufactured and used according to recommendations. However, asbestos occurs naturally within the earth with talc. It’s extremely difficult to purify talc contaminated with asbestos fibers.

Long-term exposure or inhalation of talc may increase the risk of cancer and other conditions. It may lead to health problems if applied to the genitals, broken skin, armpits or groin. Talcum powder may also harm babies, as studies have shown that its use may lead to complications such as wheezing, shortness of breath, pneumonia or, in rare cases, respiratory failure.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends protections for industrial talc workers to protect themselves from possible harmful effects. These recommendations include using “any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95 or P95 filter (including N95, R95 and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators.”

There are several myths regarding talcum powder use. The need for more research leads to confusion regarding the safe use of talc products.

Myths persist about the safety of pure, uncontaminated talc, as well as food safety and testing for asbestos. It’s important to know potential risks to make informed decisions about consumer products that may contain talc.

Myth: Talc is only a problem if it contains asbestos.

Fact: While there needs to be more research into the link between cancer and pure talc, some studies have shown that asbestos-free talc can still have adverse health effects. The severity of adverse effects can depend on the length of exposure.

Asbestos-free talc can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. It can cause short-term effects such as eye damage, rashes, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to talc may result in bronchitis and, in rare cases, potentially fatal lung scarring.

Myth: There are no concerns about talc in food and supplements.

Fact: The FDA considers talc ingestion generally safe and there are no federal regulations requiring products to be asbestos-free. However, research has shown a link between ingesting asbestos and cancers such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer found in the tissue linings of internal organs, most commonly the lungs.

Read food ingredient labels to look for talc or talcum powder. Also look for magnesium silicate, which is the primary component of talc.

Supplements are not regulated the same way drugs are. The FDA classifies and regulates them as food. Manufacturing companies are responsible for ensuring safety standards and correct labels for their dietary supplement products.

Myth: Products with talc are all tested for asbestos and deemed safe.

Fact: The FDA has little oversight over the cosmetic talc industry and doesn’t require manufacturers to test for asbestos. Companies police themselves and test products to ensure consumer safety. However, the testing processes have inherent issues.

No test can totally guarantee that talc is free of asbestos. Tests have detection limits that prevent them from accurately identifying asbestos fibers. Talc doesn’t contain an even distribution of asbestos, so even the most sensitive tests can miss fibers if absent from the testing sample.

Despite long-recognized shortcomings in accuracy, polarized light microscopy tests remain the standard. Labs with expertise testing for asbestos perform electron microscopy for higher quality testing.