[The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is proposing a new rule that would require cosmetic products containing talc to be tested for asbestos, a known human carcinogen, using standardized methods. According to documents posted on the federal register, asbestos can be present in talc-containing cosmetic products and can be injurious to consumers, as there is no established “safe level” threshold for exposure.
If finalized, the rule is intended to protect consumers from harmful exposure to asbestos, which can lead to fewer illnesses such as lung and ovarian cancers. Johnson & Johnson, a healthcare giant, is currently facing lawsuits from over 62,000 claimants who have alleged that the company’s talc products were contaminated with asbestos and caused ovarian and other cancers.
The company has denied the allegations and is seeking to resolve the claims through a $10 billion settlement in bankruptcy. Under the proposed rule, manufacturers would be required to test a sample of each batch of a talc-containing cosmetic product for asbestos using methods such as polarized light and transmission electron microscopy. If a manufacturer fails to comply with testing and record-keeping requirements, the FDA can declare the product as adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The FDA is seeking comments on the proposed rule from the public and industry representatives for the next 90 days before finalizing the requirements.
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