FDA Proposes Standard Testing for Asbestos in Talc Cosmetics, Reports Reuters

Investing.com -- According to a report by Reuters based on documents released in federal records on Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending that cosmetic products containing talc undergo standard testing for the presence of asbestos, a potential contaminant.
Asbestos is considered a human carcinogen and can pose health risks to consumers if found in talc-based cosmetic products.
There is no established "safe level" for asbestos exposure. If the proposed rule is finalized, it could help protect consumers from harmful asbestos exposure and potentially lead to a decline in diseases such as lung and ovarian cancers, according to health regulators.
Healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson is currently dealing with lawsuits from over 62,000 plaintiffs who claim the company's baby powder and other talc products were contaminated with asbestos, leading to ovarian and other forms of cancer.
The FDA's proposed rule would require manufacturers to test a sample for asbestos from each batch of cosmetic products containing talc.
Testing methods may include polarized light and transmission electron microscopy, which creates images by illuminating samples with an electron beam.