What Is in Talcum Powder That Causes Cancer?
Talcum powder can be contaminated with asbestos. It is made of talc, a mineral that sometimes forms near asbestos in the earth. Pure talc on its own is generally considered safe. But asbestos is a known carcinogen and has been found in talc products like baby powder.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) concerns about asbestos in talc date back to the 1970s.
In 1973, the FDA proposed regulations that would require talc companies to test their products for asbestos. The companies successfully opposed these regulations. As a result, the talc industry has handled testing on a voluntary basis. Once a product is on the market, the FDA may monitor it for general safety. If the FDA has concerns, it can choose to test and request the removal of unsafe products.
Talc products continue to test positive for asbestos. For example, in 2020, the Environmental Working Group completed independent testing of talc cosmetics. The results showed several of the sampled products contained asbestos fibers.
In 2024, the FDA proposed a rule that would require companies to test talc products for asbestos. This proposal is based on the expanded regulatory powers created by the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), a law passed in 2022.
Asbestos in Talcum Powder History at a Glance
- Other Names: Baby powder, body powder, cosmetic talc, magnesium silicate, talc, talc powder, talcum powder
- Years of Manufacture: 1800s – Present
- Places Used: Consumer uses, cosmetic products, industrial uses, personal care products
- Asbestos Use Banned: No
- Noteworthy Brands: Avon, Claire’s Stores Inc., Imerys, Johnson & Johnson (J&J)
Dangers of Asbestos in Talcum Powder
Some talc contains asbestos, a known carcinogen. In the 1960s, studies began to link talc to serious health risks like ovarian cancer. By the 1970s, the FDA was proposing limits on asbestos in talc products because of health concerns.
For many years, a debate existed over the possible cancer connection. Some studies have found a link between talc use and cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies asbestos-contaminated talc as a carcinogen.
Is Talc Harmful?
Ongoing research does not currently show that pure talcum powder is carcinogenic. Talc can easily be contaminated with asbestos and may then cause cancer.
Testing a talc product can help determine if there are asbestos contamination risks. But many talc-based products do not require tests before being sold. Also, testing for asbestos in talc is difficult. No test can ensure that a talc product is asbestos-free. Consumers may want to avoid talc products. Talcum powder substitutes, like cornstarch, are available.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
List of Asbestos Talc Products
People may experience exposure to asbestos from a number of different products. Everyday goods, like cosmetics, may contain asbestos-contaminated talc, including:
- Adult makeup products, including blush, bronzer, eye shadow, face powder and foundation
- Antiperspirants and deodorants
- Baby powders
- Body powders
- Chewing gum
- Children’s makeup
- Detergent powder
- Household ceramics, like plates
- Sinks
- Stoves
One of talc’s most popular consumer good uses was in body powder. Brand names of notable asbestos-contaminated talcum powder personal care products include:
- Avon Night Magic Talcum Powder
- Avon Skin So Soft Satin Talc Powder
- Bauer & Black© Baby Talc
- Cashmere Bouquet Body Talc
- Clubman® Talcum Powder
- Coty Airspun Face Powder
- Desert Flower Dusting Powder
- English Leather® After Shave Talc
- Faberge Brut Talc
- Friendship Garden Talcum Powder
- Gold Bond® Powder
- JOHNSON’S® Baby Powder
- Mennen Shave Talc
- Old Spice© Talcum Powder
- Rosemary Talc
- Yardley© Black Label Baby Powder
- Yardley© Invisible Talc
- ZBT Baby Powder with Olive Oil
Beyond cosmetic and personal care products, talc also has industrial uses. It’s water-resistant, which makes it valuable when producing pulp, paper and wood boards. It is used as a filler for plastics, paints and coatings. Industrial products that may contain talc include:
- Ceramics, including coatings, glazes and pigments
- Electrical switchboards
- Fillers
- Laboratory tabletops
- Lubricating oils
- Organic agriculture
- Paints and coatings
- Paper
- Pharmaceuticals, including the coating on tablets
- Plastics
- Roofing
- Rubber
- Soapstone
Asbestos Talcum Powder Companies
Many companies developed and produced talcum powder. These companies may have exposed workers and consumers to asbestos-contaminated talc products.
Johnson & Johnson Ends Sale of Talc-Based Baby Powder
J&J made talc products for decades. A 2018 Reuters report revealed some J&J talc had tested positive for asbestos from the 1970s to the early 2000s. The company failed to notify the public.
In May 2020, the company announced it would end the sale of talc-based baby powder in North America. For years, J&J has faced lawsuits related to the safety of this product. Despite their legal troubles, the company has maintained that its talcum powder products are safe.
J&J claims this change is the result of a decline in demand for talc-based baby powder. The company’s cornstarch-based baby powder, which is not associated with asbestos contamination, remains on the market in North America.
Despite calls for a global ban, J&J initially decided to continue selling its talc-based product elsewhere across the globe. In August 2022, the company announced it would switch to using cornstarch for all of its baby powder products sold globally in 2023.
Who Is at Risk of Cancer From Asbestos-Contaminated Talc Exposure?
Consumers who used talcum powder may have experienced asbestos exposure. Talc and asbestos naturally occur close together in the earth. As a result, mined talc may contain asbestos – commonly the amphibole asbestos type. This type may be more likely to lead to asbestos-related diseases than others.
Other people also may face exposure risks from talc, including:
- Talc miners and related trades: Miners may experience occupational exposure when mining talc and other minerals that occur near asbestos. People who manufacture talc products may also be at risk.
- Family and other household members: Family members who are around people exposed to asbestos may be at risk of exposure. Secondary exposure can occur when asbestos fibers linger on a worker or other person. The fibers can be accidentally carried home, putting household members at risk of exposure.
Any level of asbestos exposure is dangerous and can lead to cancers like mesothelioma. Long-term and high-concentration exposure may increase the likelihood of an illness occurring.
Because the United States has not completely banned asbestos, some exposure risks persist. Consumers remain at risk from products like cosmetics that contain talc and, potentially, asbestos.
Asbestos Talcum Powder Lawsuits, Settlements & More
People may be eligible to seek compensation if they develop mesothelioma after exposure to contaminated talc. An asbestos talc lawsuit may end in settlements or a verdict. Some companies have asbestos trust funds to compensate present and future victims. An asbestos attorney can explain legal options to patients and family members.
Compensation Following Asbestos Exposure From Talcum Powder
Many people have received compensation for asbestos exposure from talc products. One of the most prominent asbestos exposure stories in recent years has centered around J&J. In the late 2010s, reporting revealed evidence the company concealed its knowledge of asbestos in its talc products. The company has faced legal troubles related to this news ever since.
Examples of successful asbestos talc lawsuits include:
- In 2024, an Illinois jury awarded a woman’s family $45 million. The woman developed mesothelioma after years of using talcum powder. The jury concluded J&J and its two subsidiaries were liable.
- In 2022, a California jury ordered Avon to pay a mesothelioma patient more than $50 million. The patient claimed she experienced asbestos exposure through Avon’s talc-based cosmetic products. She had used the products for decades. The jury also found that Avon knew about these risks but did not warn consumers.
- In 2015 and 2016, talc distributor Whittaker, Clark & Daniels paid verdicts of $7 million and $18 million. At the time, $18 million was the largest award for mesothelioma caused by cosmetic talc.
- In 2015, a California court awarded $13 million to a mesothelioma patient. She had filed a mesothelioma lawsuit against Colgate-Palmolive. The lawsuit stated she developed mesothelioma from her regular use of Cashmere Bouquet.
Despite these verdicts against them and other ongoing lawsuits, many talc powder manufacturers stand by the safety of their products. Courts continue to hear cases calling for stricter talc regulations. Many people hope new regulations will ensure product safety and protect consumers and workers.
People concerned about asbestos contamination may choose to avoid talc products as a precaution.
Common Questions About Asbestos in Talcum Powder
- Does all talc have asbestos?
Not all talc is contaminated with asbestos. Many consumer products, like baby powder and cosmetics, are made with talcum powder. Lab testing can determine if a talcum powder product has asbestos contamination. Some products, like talc-based cosmetics, do not have testing requirements.
- How much asbestos has been found in talcum powder products?
In the 1970s, researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital analyzed 19 samples of talcum powder products sold in the United States. They found asbestos in more than 50% of the products. Asbestos content ranged from 2% to 20%.
- Is talcum powder safe?
Agencies continue to study the safety of pure talcum powder, with several concluding it is not carcinogenic. But asbestos-contaminated talcum powder can cause cancer. Testing a talc product can help determine if there is asbestos contamination. But many talc-based products do not require tests before being sold. If talcum powder has not been tested, you cannot be sure of its safety.
- Can you still buy talcum powder in the United States?
Yes, talcum powder is still sold in the United States, although it’s less common today. Some companies have phased out talc products in North America, while others continue to sell them. Always check product labels if you want to avoid talc.
