Document DvX1xDNmrbXYK8qNOJxNxgN4n

MEMORANDUM OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS March 9-11, 1976 SUBJECT: Asbestos in Talc The following reporters called in regard to the Washington Post story on the determination of asbestos in talc by the Mt. Sinai researchers : Mr. Cwerdling, CBC (Canada) j Mr. Goldschlag, United Press International Mr. Robert Pear, Washington Star Mr. Rick Gordon, Advertising Age I provided these reporters with essentially the same information, namely, that the Mt. Sinai data reflected commercial talc products collected in 1973 and that no asbestos was determined in 1976 samples collected as part of an FY 1976 cosmetic sampling program. I also mentioned that the FDA had been aware for several years of potential asbestos contamination of cosmetic talc, that this matter had been discussed with cosmetic industry representatives, and that a great deal of work had been done,by the industry to check talc for asbestos and to avoid asbestos-contaminated talc, and that there was every indication that no asbestos-contaminated talc was used today in talc products. In addition, I pointed out the difficulties in determining asbestos in talc and what work has been going on at the FDA to develop an analytical method for routine quality .control of talc. fW f<&??///&. Heinz J, Eiermann P.S. John Stoessel, CBS-TV New York, called today (March 16, 1976), on the same subject matter. I provided him with essentially the same information as given to the other reporters. His phone call was a follow-up to the current controversy on this subject matter and was made primarily for the purpose of clarification of the issue concerning the collection date of the Mt. Sinai samples and the FDA survey samples. (b) (5) memorandum of telephone conversations March 9-11, 1976 SUBJECT: Asbestos in Talo The following reporters called in regard to the Washington Post story on the determination of asbestos in talc by the Mt. Sinai researchers : Mr. Cward ling, CBC (Canada) Mr. Goldschlag, United Press International Mr. Robert Pear, Washington Star Mr. Rick Gordon, Advertising Age I provided these reporters with essentially the same information, namely, that the Mt. Sinai data reflected commercial talc products collected in 1973 and that no asbestos was determined in 1976 samples collected as part of an FY 1976 cosmetic sampling program. I also mentioned that the FDA had been aware for several years of potential asbestos contamination of cosmetic talc, that this matter had been discussed with cosmetic industry representatives, and that a great deal of work had been done,by the industry to check talc for asbestos and to avoid asbestos-contaminated talc, and that there was every indication that no asbestos-contaminated talc was used today in talc products. In addition, I pointed out the difficulties in determining asbestos in talc and what work has been going on at the FDA to develop an analytical method for routine - - - - -- Heinz J. Eiermann P.S. John Stoessel, CBS-TV New York, called today (March 16, 1976), on the same subject matter. I provided him with essentially the same information as given to the other reporters. His phone call was a follow-up to the current controversy on this subject matter and was made primarily for the purpose of clarification of the issue concerning the collection date of the Mt. Sinai samples and the FDA survey samples. (b) (5)