This 'probably toxic' ingredient is in 4 of the most-prescribed drugs—and the FDA may soon outlaw it
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"I think there's just been a general lack of awareness about the use of [this mineral] in our food and drug supply." — George Tidmarsh, MD, PhD, adjunct professor of pediatrics and neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine
The FDA is currently evaluating the potential ban of talc as an ingredient in products it regulates, including foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. []
Notably, talc is found in 4 of the 10 most commonly used medications in the US: Lipitor, Synthroid, Prilosec, and Neurontin. []
This consideration follows an expert panel discussion held last month, led by FDA commissioner Martin Makary, MD, MPH, and principal deputy commissioner Sara Brenner, MD, MPH.
Understanding the concerns
Talc, a naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, is commonly used for its moisture-absorbing properties.
However, concerns have been raised about its safety, particularly due to potential contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen.
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2024. []
During the FDA panel discussion, experts highlighted that talc is present in various consumer products, including chewing gum, candies, and certain medications.
Related: The FDA has officially banned this known carcinogen from our food and drugs—and we think it’s about timeHealth implications
Research presented at the panel indicates that talc particles can persist in human tissues for extended periods.
John Joseph Godleski, MD, professor emeritus of pathology at Harvard School of Public Health, reported finding talc in 90% of ovarian cancer tissue samples from patients with known genital exposure, with asbestos fibers present in just under 10% of cases. []
The panel also discussed the pro-inflammatory nature of talc and its potential role in chronic diseases. Commissioner Makary emphasized the need to scrutinize not just talc but all chemicals that may contribute to health issues, especially those to which children are exposed. []
Related: Your child's favorite sugar-free drink is linked to this dangerous conditionRegulatory considerations
In response to these concerns, the FDA has proposed new testing requirements for talc-containing cosmetic products. []
The proposed rule would mandate manufacturers to test each batch of talc-containing cosmetics for asbestos using both Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Manufacturers would also be required to maintain detailed records of testing and make them available to the FDA upon request.
While the panel did not include representatives from the food industry, the discussion underscored the widespread use of talc in various products and the need for comprehensive evaluation of its safety across all applications. []
"I think there's just been a general lack of awareness about the use of [this mineral] in our food and drug supply," said George Tidmarsh, MD, PhD, adjunct professor of pediatrics and neonatology at Stanford University School of Medicine. []
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