Why Is Talc Bad? Health Risks You Need to Know

Talc is a soft mineral found in cosmetics, body powders, and even industrial products. ⁽¹⁾

So, “Why is talc bad?” The answer is simple: while talc itself isn’t inherently harmful the danger lies in its potential contamination with asbestos — a known carcinogen.

Understanding Talc and Its Uses

Talc is a mineral that occurs naturally in our environment. It is made up of magnesium, silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It has to be mined to be used. ⁽²⁾

Almost all talc mined in the United States relies on conventional open-pit mining techniques. Talc must be drilled, blasted, and crushed onsite. Further crushing, grounding, and other techniques are used to create fine powder. ⁽³⁾

Talc is great at absorbing moisture. Manufacturers have used it in cosmetic products for decades. Talc helps prevent caking and improves the feel of many personal care products, such as baby powder. Talc also makes facial makeup, such as foundation, opaque. ⁽⁴⁾

Talc is the softest mineral there is. Talc is also flexible. Historically, talc has been used not just in personal care products but also in: ⁽⁵⁾

• Ceramics.
• Plastics.
• Construction materials.
• Antiperspirants.
• Insecticides.
• Paper.
• Roofing materials.

Cosmetic products and their ingredients do not have to be reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, consumers are concerned about the possibility of asbestos in their cosmetics products. Because of this, the FDA tests multiple cosmetic products containing talc for asbestos contamination. ⁽⁶⁾

Also, the FDA created the Interagency Working Group on Asbestos in Consumer Products in 2018. The agency’s responsibility is to encourage and support ways to test for asbestos in talc so that consumers are safe. ⁽⁷⁾

Where Is Talc Found?

For more than two decades, Montana has been the highest talc-producing state in the U.S. However, large talc deposits were also found in Texas and Vermont. ⁽⁸⁾

Health Risks and Dangers of Talc

Does talc contain asbestos? In some cases, yes. Talc is often mined near asbestos deposits, which can lead to contamination. ⁽⁹⁾

Asbestos is known to cause cancer in the lungs, and other diseases when inhaled.

Some of these diseases include: ^{(10) (11)}

• Asbestosis — If you breathe in high levels of asbestos over a long time, asbestos fibers can settle deep in your lungs. These asbestos fibers can irritate your lungs and lead to scarring. This lung damage can make it hard for you to breathe. You may experience shortness of breath and a cough that doesn’t go away.
• Mesothelioma — This aggressive cancer is strongly tied to asbestos exposure. Generally, your risk of developing mesothelioma is based on how much and how often you are exposed to asbestos. No amount of exposure to asbestos is safe. And, once you’re exposed to asbestos, your risk of developing mesothelioma remains with you throughout your life. Mesothelioma targets a specific area around the lungs called the pleura. It also can affect your abdomen, heart, and testicles.
• Lung cancer — Inhaling asbestos fibers is linked to a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Generally, the more you are exposed to asbestos, the higher your risk of getting lung cancer. If you smoke and work in a job where you are exposed to asbestos, your risk of developing lung cancer is even higher.
• Respiratory issues — Talc itself is dangerous to breathe in and can cause pneumoconiosis and talcosis. It damages your lungs. You can develop minor respiratory issues or develop severe lung damage and disease.
• Ovarian cancer — Talcum powder could lead to ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer. When women apply talcum powder to their genitals, it can migrate to their fallopian tubes, ovaries, and peritoneal area. This causes chronic inflammation and stress, which can then lead to certain types of ovarian cancer.

Why Is Talc No Longer Used in Some Products?

Litigation and increasing concerns about cancer from talc contaminated with asbestos have forced some big companies to stop using talc in some products. ⁽¹²⁾

Identifying Asbestos-Free Talc Products

Lots of products contain talc. Personal care products, cosmetics, and body powders are just a few. You can also find talc in paint, catalytic converters, rubber, and refractories. You can find labels that say 100% pure talc. However, these are not personal care products. ⁽¹³⁾

When it comes to personal care products, there is no real way to tell if your talc product contains asbestos. There was an FDA summary report with results regarding asbestos in cosmetics containing talc. ^{(14) (15)} Consumers should know, however, that even the most sensitive testing equipment might miss minute traces of asbestos.

What Products Contain Asbestos?

Any personal care and cosmetic products made with talcum powder might contain asbestos. In answer to what talc is safe to use, your safest option is not to use talc-containing body or cosmetic products. Even thorough testing can miss small amounts of asbestos. Also, you can find asbestos in many other products. ^{(16) (17)}

Why Is Talc Allowed in Makeup?

Most of the ingredients used in makeup do not have to undergo FDA review and approval. ⁽¹⁸⁾ Manufacturers use talc because it is more profitable to use it, rather than more expensive ingredients or ingredients that perform slightly worse than talc.

How Can You Tell If Talc in a Product is Asbestos-Free?

You can’t. Talc and asbestos are often found geologically close together in the environment. If manufacturers can’t guarantee the talc mining site was free of asbestos, they can’t guarantee their talc is free of asbestos. ⁽¹⁹⁾

Safer Alternatives to Talc

Safer alternatives to talc include cornstarch, baking soda, tapioca starch, and arrowroot powder. Other options include petroleum jelly and kaolin clay. ⁽²⁰⁾

To find brands offering talc-free products, you can search on the internet. Arm & Hammer, Johnson & Johnson, Gold Bond, Primally Pure, Burt’s Bees, Noodle & Boo, and Shower to Shower all offer talc-free body powders. Many are labeled as talc-free. According to the U.S. federal government, there is no sure way to certify that talcum powder in personal care products is free of asbestos. ^{(21) (22)}

W&L: A Trusted Source for Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos contaminated talc and are facing health issues, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Since the mid-1980s, Weitz & Luxenberg has been fighting for individuals harmed by asbestos exposure. Our firm has secured significant victories, including a $27 million verdict for a client exposed to asbestos in talc.

Get Advice From Experienced Lawyers Today

The companies responsible for putting your health at risk should be held accountable. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, other asbestos related conditions, or ovarian cancer, contact us for a free legal consultation. Let us help you explore your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve.