Document gEyQZMLMaYkw7d37jEq1LqgBQ

r ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND u' 1712 JgjfcO N STREET, N.W., WASHINGTON, D.G. 20036/202 833-1485 December 14, 1972 Dr. Alfred Weissler Food and Drug Administration Division of Colors and Cosmetics Technology BF-430 200 C Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20204 Dear Dr. Weissler: As you know, asbestos has been reported to occur in talc and a good many people are concerned about the possible dangers of using talc containing this known carcinogen. Specific questions which have arisen are whether the inhala tion of asbestos-talc by babies and others poses a carcinogenic hazard and whether the treatment of rice with talc is contra indicated (Science 173 (1971)1141). In addition, we .have re ceived a query concerning the wisdom of the routine use of talc on contraceptive diaphragms, which exposes vaginal and neighbor ing tissue to any asbestos contained in the talc. In this con nection, it is of interest that talc particles have been de tected in the majority of both cervical and ovarian tumors which were, sampled and in "normal" ovarian tissue of patients with breast cancer (J. of Obstet. & Gynec. Brit. Commonwealth 78 (1971)266). In view of these facts and questions, it seems to us to be a matter of urgency that talcum powders should be surveyed for asbestos content, that chose found to contain significant proportions of asbestos be made unavailable for uses involving tissue contact, and that studies should be required of talc producers to determine whether talc-asbestos and/or talc per se are carcinogenic. We understand that a survey of the asbestos content of commercial talcs was commissioned by FDA but the results' have not to our knowledge been published. Therefore we would like to inquire 1. Was such a- survey carried out? 2. Was it acceptable? 3. If so, when will the results be available? OFFICES IN: EAST SETAUKET, NY (MAIN OFFICE); NEW YORK CITY (PROGRAM SUPPORT OFFICE); WASHINGTON, DC; BERKELEY, CALIF. This peper is recycled to protect he environment. December 14, 1972 page 2 4. If it was not acceptable, is it being repeated? 5. What action is FDA taking to evaluate or prevent potential talc carcinogenesis? Sincerely, 'F Lucile Adamson, Ph.D. Staff Scientist Si-o-V( tt- Scott Lang & Washington Counsel LA:mh