Exposure to cosmetic talc and mesothelioma

Abstract

Aim Mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure. In this case series, we present 166 cases of individuals who had substantial asbestos exposure to cosmetic talc products as well as some who had potential or documented additional exposures to other asbestos-containing products and who subsequently developed mesothelioma. Methods Data were gathered for all subjects referred to an occupational and environmental medicine specialist as part of medicolegal review. Years of total cosmetic talcum powder usage was noted as well as the latency from the onset of talcum powder use to the mesothelioma diagnosis. Alternate asbestos exposure in addition to the exposure from cosmetic talc was categorized as none, possible, likely, and definite. Results In 122 cases, the only known exposure to asbestos was from cosmetic talc. For 44 cases, potential or documented alternate exposures in addition to the cosmetic talc were described. Conclusion Cumulative exposure to asbestos leads to mesothelioma; for individuals with mixed exposures to asbestos, all exposures should be considered. Use of cosmetic talc is often overlooked as a source of asbestos exposure. All individuals with mesothelioma should have a comprehensive history of asbestos exposure, including cosmetic talc exposure.

Occupational exposure to cosmetic talc and mesothelioma in barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists: A systematic review of the epidemiology

“…Notably, case-series and case reports do not permit inferences to be drawn concerning association (or causation) because they lack a comparison group, contrary to analytic epidemiology studies (e.g., cohort and case–control). Nevertheless, we acknowledge for the readership that several case-series have been published in the peer-reviewed literature where mesotheliomas have been observed among barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists (and even a family member who swept a barbershop) and, in turn, the authors have implied or hypothesized that cosmetic talc exposure played a role in the etiology of their disease (Emory et al, 2020; Moline et al, 2020, 2023). The underlying data and analytical methodology of these case-series and the associated conclusions have been challenged in several published commentaries (Brent 2023; Geyer 2020a, 2020b).…”

Talc Review Omission

“…It is odd that, purposely omitted from consideration that which is actually new and increasingly apparent and of concern, talc containing asbestos does have the ability to cause cancer, especially mesothelioma, as noted in the recently published piece cited hereinafter. 2 It is this issue, as well as that of ovarian cancer, that is generating serious concerns about talc, and consultants to industry should be addressing this issue as well and add any significant thoughts to any new literature.…”

“…I read with interest the new article by Borm 1 regarding talc, which, although giving a comprehensive review of the nonmalignant hazards of talc, with which I agree, as talc does not appear to cause cancer as talc, I find this adds little to the literature that is not already well-known or recognized and published about by International Agency for Research on Council and others over previous decades. It is odd that, purposely omitted from consideration that which is actually new and increasingly apparent and of concern, talc containing asbestos does have the ability to cause cancer, especially mesothelioma, as noted in the recently published piece cited hereinafter 2 . It is this issue, as well as that of ovarian cancer, that is generating serious concerns about talc, and consultants to industry should be addressing this issue as well and add any significant thoughts to any new literature.…”

The Status of Indian Cancer Record Keeping and Study of Mesothelioma Cases to Ascertain Asbestos Exposure in India

“…Mesothelioma is a malignancy which is intimately associated with exposure to asbestos [1][2][3][4] . It may occur in the pleura or peritoneum, with the latter being less frequent 5 .…”