Document EDV2jnBNjKZDB10RddRd2D2x
FILE NAME Talc TALC DATE 1972 May 10
DOC TALC067
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Letter to the Center for Science in the
Public Interest from Barry Castleman
VI
Phone Number
301-494-3775
May 10 1972
Dr. Albert Fritsch Center for Science in the Public 1346 Connecticut Avenue N.W. Washington D.C.
Interest
Dear Mr. Fritsch
I was referred to you by Ken Lasson I am interested in research
on the adverse effects on health of asbestos and tale in particular carcinogenisis Ken said that your center performs oriented investigations and you might be working on these topics now
As far as I know no one has yet demonstrated that occupational
environmental exposures to talc carry an excess risk of developing cancer This has been done for asbestos and the government has begun to effect
restrictions on its use However the striking chemical similarity between talc and asbestos the occurrence of greater than trace amounts of tremolite asbestos in talcum powders and the knowledge that
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to talc carries an excess risk of lung cancer
oacrceupvaetriyondailsteuxrpboisnugre in view of the widespread use of talc in infant and cosmetic powders perfumed vaginal sprays etc. My correspondence with FDA indicates that they are doing a minimal job analyzing tales for asbestos about regulating both asbestos and tale in consumer goods I would like
to know of ways to get them interested
In my spare hours here I have reviewed some of the literature on
cervical cancer epidemiology I also understand that some but not all are dusted with talc in processing and packaging Dr. Abraham
pLriolpiheynlfaecltdicast the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene has an interest in talc also and I hope to work out some kind of study with him soon
Please let me asbestos and talc I it worthwhile
know your interest and activities in the subjects of
would be glad to come down see you if you think
My best wishes in your work
Sincerely
dh
Barry Castleman Technical Services Section Division of Air Pollution and
Industrial Hygiene Bureau of Environmental Services