Document MJZZ2GNR1e7Qgg26mn7Km8Mja
ifetrch 5, 1973
M$* liarjorie
&*K*
Inservice Education Coordinator
Edgamoor Geriatric hospital
Horth Mgemoor Drive
Santee, California 92071
Dear He* Briggsi
Vour letter o February 6, 1973 to the attention of the Food and Drug Administration hm been referred Iso me for reply* We are at present cxapilta$ information on various talc products, but this is not yet ready for release*
Inhalation of large rraomat of eshastee, a# in occupational exposure, is kno&tt to increase the incidence of lung cancer and pwseothelfossa, e&peeially in heavy sobers of cigarettes* Aabeafcos is often found- as a. natural contaminont of talc; both are magnesium silicates, end aro geochemicalXy Infcercoarvcriifele*
Taleoei* if seaa only tmder conditions of heavy exposure and talc has not been demonstrated of itself to bo careino^onic* the levels of the various types of asbestos found in talc vary depending upon the source frm. which the talc comas, and: the use for Which it is intended, i.s* ties in heavy Industry, food UqpmUmdt, cosmetic* Generally* the bat-tar grades of commtc and food talcs are reportedly free of ae~ bastes* Iveadlcss to- ay, the suppliers and cotaaercial users of talc are aware of the potential problems presented cad in the last year or so the industry lias made an effort to reduce or eliminate asbestos in talc as required* Two statements from 1971 report on Asbestos by the national Acatoay of Sciences are of interest there are levels of asbestos exposure that will not he associated vlth any detectable risk. What those issrela are is not known but ttarc is no evidence that persons In the general population ,* have any increased risk of neoplasm <* At preseat, there is no evidence that the small numbera of fibers found in moat mmbers of the general population affect health or longevity*** Countless infanta throughout the Western world have been liberally dusted with all types of talcum powders under all conditions of use end ventilation new for several generations without any dc*o?* atratod related Increase in neoplaewa. On the basis of present
?*|t 2 He* arjorie Brigg*. EH*
kObfied^e* therefore, wmvil m e o good gr&de telcuDs powder oder eoa-
leiOt of adequate ventilation should poe tuo pmhlcs. Of course, m o
should void the infeeUtion of
foreign sto risi, ineludine tslctaa
powder*
Sincerely your*,
Georg# I Thee&s>, Fh.'*
A*istant to the Birector
Division of Colora m d Commitcs Techno1 Office of f'rodwet Tetrology