Asbestos in Talc and Mesothelioma: Review of the Causality Using Epidemiology

Abstract

Talcum powder has long been contaminated with asbestos fibers depending on the source of the talc.  Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are scientifically established as caused by asbestos exposures.  However, when investigating causality of mesothelioma from asbestos fibers in talcum powder, epidemiology is complicated by various methodological issues and inadequacies in existing studies.  The occupational and case studies are explored in an effort to bring clarity to the issue of talcum powder usage and mesothelioma.   Talc is randomly and sporadically contaminated with asbestos fibers including chrysotile, tremolite and anthophyllite.  Case studies of mesothelioma victims whose only asbestos exposure was to talc, found anthophyllite, tremolite and chrysotile asbestos fibers in their tissues.  Exposure to all three types of asbestos fibers increases the risk of mesothelioma.   The Hill criteria of causality, which considers all aspects of toxicology, biology and epidemiology, are applied to the issue.  This analysis results in compelling evidence that asbestos in talcum powder is causative for mesothelioma.  Thus, precaution would dictate the avoidance of the use of talcum powders.