Talc and cancer: WHO raises alert level to "probably carcinogenic"
Well-being — di Gabriella Reggina
A recent assessment on talc's carcinogenicity links the substance to a higher degree of hazard.
Talc and cancer: WHO raises alert level to "probably carcinogenic"
A recent assessment on talc's carcinogenicity links the substance to a higher degree of hazard.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer reclassifies talc as a probable carcinogen.
- The conclusions are based on a recent assessment carried out by a team of 29 scientists.
- The link between talc exposure and cancer risk in humans remains controversial, requiring precautionary behaviour.
As things currently stand, talc is to be classified as "probably" carcinogenic. This is the finding reported by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (Iarc) of the World Health Organisation, which moves the substance to a higher level of concern. This conclusion stems from a meticulous scientific assessment, carried out in Lyon in June of this year. The final observations, published in the prestigious journal Lancet Oncology, precede the Iarc monograph dedicated to the subject (available in 2025).
New research links #talcumpowder use to ovarian cancer, highlighting dangers lurking in everyday products. This reminds us of the critical need to scrutinize substances like talc that might contain #asbestos. #OvarianCancerAwareness #PublicHealth
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Talc and cancer: what is the link?
The substance, which stands out for its pleasant texture and bright white appearance, is a mineral composed of silicon, magnesium and oxygen. Talc has long been widely used in the personal hygiene and cosmetics sector. But what is the connection between talc and cancer risk? The link derives from the deposits of origin, which can result in the presence of asbestos in the extracted material. Asbestos, as is well known, is a substance that is highly carcinogenic to humans. It is no coincidence that since the 1970s, talc-based products have been required, for safety purposes, to be free of this component; consistently, talc containing asbestos is identified as a substance carcinogenic to humans and is placed, according to the Iarc classification of carcinogens, in group 1. Asbestos-free talc has until now occupied a different position, having for years been included among non-carcinogenic agents (group 3), while perineal talcum powder was classified, until now, as a possible carcinogen (group 2B).
Recent conclusions on the hazards of talc
The assessment in question concerns talc classified as asbestos-free, previously considered non-carcinogenic. According to Iarc itself, the standards used to analyse talc-based cosmetic and pharmaceutical products have insufficient sensitivity, and therefore a limited ability to rule out asbestos contamination.
In conclusion, talc commonly used for cosmetic purposes is now classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" on the basis of numerous experimental findings. Iarc describes this evidence as "limited" for cancer in humans, "sufficient" for cancer in animal models and "strong" in primary human cells. The evidence in humans relates in particular to ovarian cancer, and most studies have assessed the effects resulting from the use of body powder. These are, in any case, partial and preliminary conclusions that require further investigation.
In vivo studies, on the other hand, revealed a stronger link between the action of talc and the onset of tumours, examining various biological tissues and different routes of exposure. In vitro observations, meanwhile, showed that talc has the ability to alter cell proliferation and cell death, as well as cellular nutrient uptake. This assessment ultimately supersedes the previous classifications (group 3 and group 2B) and moves talc into group 2A of the Iarc categories, defining it as a probable carcinogen.
Ovarian cancer and precedents: the Johnson&Johnson case
The presumed health risks are neither new nor a matter of limited public concern. The American multinational Johnson&Johnson, a distributor of pharmaceutical and wellness products, has been embroiled in major legal disputes relating to formulations contaminated with asbestos.
Johnson’s talc-based baby powder was an iconic product until it became the focus of lawsuits alleging it caused cancer, which the company has long denied.
More on Bloomberg Investigates: bloom.bg/3HWiVYr
More on Bloomberg Investigates: bloom.bg/3HWiVYr
Specifically, thousands of cases of ovarian cancer were reported, allegedly caused by prolonged exposure to the carcinogenic agent. Despite attempts to deny the claims, the company withdrew the products in question from the market and recently proposed a total settlement of approximately 6.5 billion dollars.