Talc – Potential Risk of Lung Effects and Ovarian Cancer

The draft screening assessment report, which was jointly conducted by Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, proposes that inhaling loose talc powders and exposure to the female genital area from the use of certain products containing talc may be harmful to human health.

Products affected

Cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs containing talc as an ingredient in the form of loose powders (face, body, baby and foot powders) and products used in the perineal region (body powder, baby powder, diaper and rash creams, genital antiperspirants and deodorants, body wipes and bath bombs).

Background information

Talc is a naturally-occurring mineral used as an ingredient in a wide variety of products including cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs.

Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have conducted a joint draft scientific screening assessment of talc, under the Chemicals Management Plan, focusing on certain cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs. Based on this draft assessment, current scientific evidence indicates that inhalation exposure to loose powder products containing talc such as baby, body, face and foot powders may cause non-cancerous lung effects such as coughing, breathing difficulties, and decreased lung function.

When inhaled, talc particles can be difficult to clear, accumulating as exposures continue, and can potentially lead to fibrosis. Talc products that do not generate a dust cloud, such as pressed powders, are not of concern for lung effects.

The draft assessment also identified talc as a possible cause of ovarian cancer when there is exposure to or use in the female genital area. The Canadian Cancer Society identifies talc use on the genitals as a possible risk factor for ovarian cancer.

Several published meta-analyses consistently reported a small but positive association with ovarian cancer and perineal talc use. The draft screening assessment did not identify any critical health effects for talc through oral exposure, for example, talc in drugs, or dermal (non-perineal) routes of exposure. The draft screening assessment and the risk management scope are now available on Health Canada’s web site.

The risk management scope proposes the possible risk management options to help reduce Canadians exposure to talc. The Government of Canada will also publish the Draft Screening Assessment for Talc on December 8, 2018 in the Canada Gazette. The public is invited to comment on this report, during the 60-day public comment period ending on February 6, 2019.  After the consultation period, a final screening assessment and risk management approach will be developed, taking into consideration comments and new evidence received. Should the final screening assessment confirm that talc in certain products is harmful to human health, the government will take action to manage the risks identified.

Information for consumers

Talc is a naturally-occurring mineral used as an ingredient in a wide variety of products.

The Government of Canada has conducted a draft screening assessment of the potential health risks of talc. This draft assessment focuses mainly on the safety of talc in self-care products such as cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs.

The draft assessment proposes that:

• breathing in loose talc powder may be harmful to the lungs
• using products containing talc in the female genital area is a possible cause of ovarian cancer

The assessment does not suggest that there is a health risk when taken by mouth (e.g. prescription drugs) or of talc contact with the skin (excluding the female genital area). Canadians concerned about their exposure to talc can check the ingredient list on product labels and avoid using loose talc powders that may be inhaled and products containing talc in the female genital area.

If parents and caregivers are concerned about current or previous use of products containing talc on their children, they should consult their healthcare professional.

Patients using products containing talc should inform their healthcare professional if they experience any side effects.