The announcement was made this Friday (5) after a meeting of experts in France and was published in the journal The Lancet Oncology
The cancer agency of World Health Organization (WHO) to update its classification of talc, considering it a possible human carcinogen. The announcement was made following a meeting of experts from the International Center for Research on Cancer (CIRC/IARC), held in Lyonin France, and the results were published this Friday (5) in the scientific journal The Lancet Oncology.
According to experts, exposure to talc occurs mostly in work environments during its extraction, processing or during products that include this mineral in their composition. In addition, it is widely used in cosmetics and body powders, increasing its presence in the daily life of the general public.
Why was talc considered carcinogenic?
Human studies have shown partial results linking talc use, particularly in the genital region, to increased cases of ovarian cancer. Research has also revealed concrete evidence of its carcinogenic effects on laboratory animals.
However, it is important to note that these studies focused on asbestos-free talc, a substance already known for its health risks. However, possible contamination of talc by asbestos during its extraction cannot be completely excluded in the evaluated studies.
Along with talc, acrylonitrile, a volatile organic compound mainly used in the production of polymers, is also classified as a carcinogen by the WHO. The decision was based on sufficient evidence that the substance can cause lung cancer and limited evidence of its link to bladder cancer.
Products such as clothing fibers, carpets, everyday plastics and automotive parts are commonly made using acrylonitrile. In addition, this substance is one of the components of cigarette smoke and contributes to air pollution.
*text supervised by Tomaz Belluomini