“Cosmetic-grade talc is generally regarded to be a safe ingredient in cosmetic products worldwide”, said HSA, adding that it is an ingredient allowed under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD), which Singapore adopts.
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Foundation For Consumers (FFC) secretary-general Saree Ongsomwang yesterday said the Food and Drug Administration should step up warnings after a recent civil case involving Johnson & Johnson. Still, women may want to avoid applying any powder – talc or otherwise – to their private parts.
Michael Blaes filed the lawsuit, contending that his wife’s ovarian cancer was caused by her use of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower… The decedent, Jacqueline Fox, passed away at the age of 62.
HSA said that although cosmetic products regulated under the Health Products (Cosmetic Products -ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations are not required to be evaluated and approved by the authority, they still have to comply with legal requirements for labelling, as well as restrictions and prohibitions on the use of certain ingredients.
A jury said the company had failed to warn users of the potential dangers despite concerns raised by the American Cancer Society in 1999.
“But they need to be aware of the possible risks”, he said.
“Findings have been mixed, with some studies reporting a slightly increased risk and some reporting no increase”. Talcum powder is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans when applied to the genital area. The information on talc powder came out many years ago when it was discovered that talc was incorporated in tissue of women with ovarian cancer.
The FFC is running tests on powder samples collected locally with a view to find non-talcum alternatives for consumers.
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Post 1973, when the cancer connect was established, health watchdogs in the United States ordered that talc be removed from all products sold or manufactured within the country. “We sympathise with the plaintiff’s family but firmly believe the safety the cosmetic talc is supported by decades of scientific evidence”.
