According to the results of the final screening, talc in female personal care products can cause ovarian cancer.
Because of the risk of lung damage and cancer, Health Canada is recommending new limits on the use of talc in some cosmetic and personal cleansing products.
The proposed restrictions will increase the number of alerts on the use of talc in items that can be inhaled, such as loose cosmetic face powders, and products that come into contact with the female genital region, such as bath bombs, body wipes, and bubble bath products.
Inhaling loose talc particles could damage the lungs, and using talc in female personal care items could cause ovarian cancer, according to a final screening assessment recently conducted by Health Canada and Environment Canada.
Previously, Health Canada had prohibited the use of talc in powder-based items for babies and children and required labels advising parents to keep the products away from their children’s faces to prevent inhalation.
Additional restrictions will also be implemented, including warnings about inhalation risks for adults and cancer ties in females that use talc-based personal care items.
Canadians who want to give the federal government input on the new restrictions have until June 23 to do so.
Ingestion of talc or skin contact with talc-containing items such as paper, paint, plastics, or ceramics is not harmful, according to Health Canada. Talc is also safe for use in dry shampoo, foot powder, natural health products, and non-prescription medications, as well as in pressed-powder products like pressed powder makeup.
According to scientific evidence reviewed by Environment Canada, talc, a naturally occurring mineral contained in deposits in Canada and abroad, is not hazardous to the environment.
