how safe is talc? exploring the risks and potential bans

Talc was recently classified as "probably carcinogenic" by the IARC and it is possible that the use of this ingredient will be restricted in the coming years. But, beyond talc itself, do you know which products it is found in?

Talc occurs in many uses in different industries including the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Talc is a common ingredient in baby powders, face powders, and blushes among other powdered products in the cosmetics industry.

In food, talc is used as food additive E 553b to improve the texture of food powders. In pharmaceuticals, it is used as an excipient in tablets and powders. Additionally, talc occurs in plastics, paper products, and building materials.

Talc is also known by these names:

  • steatite
  • soapstone
  • hydrated magnesium silicate
  • E 553b (food additive)
  • talc (cosmetic ingredient)

To avoid talc, carefully read the labels of products and choose those free from it. Look for alternatives made of cornstarch or rice flour, especially in baby products, powders, and certain foods.

Is talc carcinogenic?

As of 2024, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified asbestos-free talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A). This follows the confirmed listing of asbestos-contaminated talc as carcinogenic since 2009.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has also raised concerns, saying that long-term exposure to talc may cause cancer, particularly in the genital and lung areas if inhaled.

But the ultimate classification of talc as a carcinogen in Europe remains to be completed. Authorities will vote on the reclassification by the end of 2025.

Risks linked to asbestos contamination

As pointed out earlier, crude talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a highly carcinogenic substance. Contamination is a source of concern inasmuch as the majority of talc sources are from Indian, Chinese, and American mines where deposits of asbestos are likely to be found in association with talc.

Alarm grew when it was also learned that companies like Johnson & Johnson had been privy to asbestos tainting in their talc products for decades but did nothing about it. You may recall that asbestos in talc has been a subject of numerous lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, which had been charged with selling cancer-predisposing products.

When will a ban take effect?

New legislation and regulatory actions on talc are ongoing. If talc is officially classified as a carcinogen, the use of talc in cosmetics would be banned by the end of 2027. The European Commission will still have to review any exemptions and enforcement strategies.

Meanwhile, some companies have already switched to alternative talcs, such as cornstarch.

In the food industry, the scene is less clear, with no intentions to ban talc as a food ingredient currently in light of ongoing safety concerns about its long-term use.

Only time will tell whether talc, like titanium dioxide, will fall under the same restrictions or bans in the future as new safety concerns emerge.

The article draws upon studies published and recommendations from international institutions and/or experts. We do not make claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. Sources are indicated at the end of each article.
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A solar-powered car built for efficiency

Designed by the Sonnewagen team of the University of Aachen with the support of Covestro, Adelie is a three-wheeled, light and efficient solar car, capable of traveling without recharging and without polluting

Adelie is a solar car model designed by students at RWTH Aachen University. It measures 13.1 feet in length and weighs 375 pounds. It is coated with 43 square feet of solar cells, which have an efficiency of 25%, meaning that it can be powered directly by the sun. The vehicle has a top speed of 84.5 mph and a range of 435 miles. Under ideal light conditions, its battery is charged automatically, without charging stations or electricity outlets.

The concept behind adelie

The Adelie project was started in 2015 by the Sonnewagen team, a group of part-time working students who design solar-powered cars. They want to experiment with lightweight materials and new concepts to make electric mobility more efficient. As Charlotte Teckentrup, the team representative, describes:

“We asked ourselves how far we could travel with a car run only by the sun.”

The result is a car that minimizes energy consumption through aerodynamics and lightweight materials.

Technology and lightweight materials to reduce consumption

One of the most prominent features of Adelie is the use of advanced, ultra-light materials, which are critical to higher energy efficiency. Project sponsorship has been offered by Covestro in the form of funds and advanced technologies that are currently available in the market, including:

  • A light-weight polymer battery casing that offers safety and reliability.
  • Low-impact, environmentally friendly paints.
  • An ultra-light, transparent Makrofol polycarbonate windshield.
  • Solar energy generation and storage devices, designed for safety and reliability.
  • 3D-printed polyurethane seats, which are customizable and reduce material waste.

Gianmaria Malvestiti, CEO of Covestro, shared his perspective on the project:

“We had the chance to see and touch the future. It feels like being part of a new development era, similar to when the first airplanes were created. What seems futuristic today will be normal for future generations.”

Solar mobility: a real possibility?

Even though Adelie is not yet market ready, it proves that a fully solar-powered car is achievable. During a European tour, the car was showcased in several countries, and it gained fame because of its potential.

Present-day electric vehicles still rely on charging stations, but initiatives like Adelie raise the most important question: how far can solar power actually drive an automobile?

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