By India Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2024 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule to require standardized testing of talc-containing cosmetics for asbestos<\/a>, a known carcinogen linked to serious illnesses such as lung and ovarian cancers.<\/p>\n According to an FDA report<\/a>, the proposed rule would mandate that manufacturers test each batch of talc-containing cosmetic products using advanced microscopy techniques, including polarized light and transmission electron microscopy.<\/p>\n Failure to comply with these testing or record-keeping requirements would result in the products being classified as adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.<\/p>\n Asbestos contamination in talc-based cosmetics has been a long-standing health concern.<\/p>\n The FDA emphasized there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and this rule aims to reduce harmful exposure and protect consumers from potential health risks.<\/p>\n The FDA\u2019s announcement comes as Johnson & Johnson faces lawsuits from over 62,000 claimants alleging asbestos in its talc products caused cancer.<\/p>\n The company has denied the allegations, calling its products safe, and is working to resolve claims through a $10 billion settlement in bankruptcy.<\/p>\n The proposed rule is now open for public and industry comments for 90 days before being finalized, according to a news release from CNN.<\/em><\/p>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has more on asbestos<\/a>.<\/p>\n