Health Canada Links Inhaling Talcum to Lung Disorders

Introduction

A recent draft screening assessment released by the Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada indicated that inhaling loose talcum powder may also adversely affect lungs and cause decreased lung function, chronic cough, breathing problems, and fibrosis. Talcum powder litigation already underway in several state courts allege the asbestos exposure from talc causing ovarian cancer in hundreds of people in the U.S.

The Canadian government officials wanted to alert the patients to refrain from breathing loose talcum powders to avoid serious complications, especially when used around female genitals. Out of 29 studies conducted 21 of them pointed at links between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Health Canada stated that they are taking measures to restrict the use of talc in cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, and other health products. However, the agency would wait until a final assessment is done to take any further action. The draft screening assessment and Risk Management Scope are available for public comment until February 6, 2019. In a press statement, Muhannad Malas, toxics program manager at Environmental Defence, told that it might take years for Health Canada to act on this matter.

Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) Baby Powder, one of the most popular products containing talcum powder, is linked to increasing a woman's risk of ovarian cancer if she uses it regularly in the genital area. In a few cases, the cancer tissue was studied using an electron microscope and was found to have talc in it, which supported the claim that the cancer was caused by the talcum powder and increases the talc-related cancer risk.

Even as more than 10,000 cases are filed against J&J, the company has won four mesothelioma trials and four mistrials in other asbestos cases. A lawsuit filed by a plaintiff will head to trial in January 2019 over claims that she suffered due to asbestos exposure from J&J's talcum powder.

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