The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified talc as a possibly carcinogenic substance and acrylonitrile as a possibly carcinogenic substance. This was reported by AFP.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral mined in many parts of the world. It is found in baby powder and many types of cosmetics. People who work with talc are more likely to be exposed.
Many studies have shown that talc increases the risk of ovarian cancer when used on the genitals. Some studies indicate that talc may be contaminated with carcinogenic asbestos. Therefore, a cause-and-effect relationship between talc and cancer has not been proven. However, WHO has acknowledged that in certain cases, this substance may increase the risk of tumors.
The decision to classify talc as a probable carcinogen was based on “limited evidence” that talc can cause ovarian cancer in humans, with “ample evidence” in mice and “compelling evidence” in cells.
Johnson & Johnson removed baby powder from the North American market in 2020. It also agreed to pay $700 million to resolve allegations that the company misled customers about the safety of its talc products.
The IARC also classified acrylonitrile as a cancer-causing substance. The agency said acrylonitrile has been shown to be linked to lung cancer. It is used in the manufacture of plastics, clothing fabrics, carpets and other consumer products.
Earlier scientists connected Hot weather increases the risk of blood cancer in children.