Talc Potentially Linked to Ovarian Cancer by Health Canada Report
Written by: Lauren Schwab, Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Thomas J. Lamb, P.A.
A recent Health Canada safety alert issued on April 22, 2021, addresses the health risks associated with talc exposure, specifically addressing the link between talc contamination and ovarian cancer.
Under the Chemicals Management Plan, Health Canada and Climate Change Canada conducted a joint screening assessment of talc, finding certain uses of talc may be harmful to human health. The inhalation of talc has been linked to several lung issues, and the usage of self-care products in the female genital area has been associated with ovarian cancer.
Talc can be found in certain health care products, such as cosmetics, non-prescription drugs, baby powder, deodorants, bath bombs and more. It is recommended to check the ingredients list on your product labels and avoid using products that contain talc.
According to this April 2021 Health Canada safety alert, the Canadian Government is proposing cautionary measures to help reduce talc exposure:
The Government of Canada is proposing measures to:
- help reduce exposures to talc from certain cosmetics which may be inhaled or which could come in contact with the female genital area, by modifying the existing entry on the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist; and
- help reduce exposures to talc from certain natural health products and non-prescription drugs, which may be inhaled or which could come in contact with the female genital area by modifying the existing entries of the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database and applicable monographs.
Canada is the first country in the world to propose action to help manage the human health risks of talc based on concerns related to ovarian cancer and lung effects for all age groups.
As we have previously reported on our Asbestos-Mesothelioma website, talc contaminated with asbestos can lead to mesothelioma. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now has standards in place regarding testing of talc to determine whether asbestos is present.
Mesothelioma is caused by inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers, which then become embedded in the lining of either the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This causes inflammation, and eventually, the formation of tumors in the affected areas.
There are several different types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural Mesothelioma (of the lungs)
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma (of the abdomen)
- Pericardial Mesothelioma (of the heart)
While there are factors that can increase someone’s risk of developing mesothelioma, only asbestos has been scientifically proven to cause the disease.
As always, we will continue to monitor the worldwide issues surrounding asbestos litigation involving talc-based beauty products and mesothelioma. We will provide you with any new or relevant information.
We encourage you to visit our Asbestos – Contaminated Talc and Mesothelioma Cancer Overview page on our website for more information. Please submit a free case evaluation if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
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