Document nm5wxJV9RVYEoEdV2bG38GkRR

FILE NAME Talc TALC DATE 1972 Apr 13 DOC TALC062 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Letter to FDA from Barry Castleman April 13 1972 Division of Colors and Cosmetics Office of Product Technology Food and Drug Administration Washington D.C. 20204 Technology Attention Dr. John M. Gowdy Assistant Director for Medical Review Dear Dr. Gowdy I am writing in reply to your letter of April 6 about the FDA's studies on talc and asbestes containing products It is apparent that no epidemiological or toxicological studies are being performed by FDA on tales without asbestos It also appears that although the FDA could probably require labeling of containing products such as building materials sold to homeowners in hardware stores under the Hazardous Substances Act this course is not being actively pursued I don't know of another U.S. government agency which has responsibility for requiring labeling of hazardous substances on the consumer market or banning the use of hazardous products I am concerned about the availability of unlabeled asbestos products to the public I am also disturbed about the use of talc a suspected carcinogen as a major constituent in cosmetic powders and perfumed vaginal sprays its use in dusting surgical gloves has been discontinued The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has recommended that asbestos containing materials used industrially bear a hazard label in Criteria for a Recommended Standard . . - Occupational Exposure to Asbestos February 1972 It is possible that in adopting a new standard for occupational exposure to asbestos the Labor Department will require the labeling of containing products used by the labor force Nonetheless even if the Labor Department requires labeling of some asbestos products the problem of labeling other asbestos products on the consumer market will remain The problem of evaluating the hazards of specific products in the light or darkness of present knowledge and then deciding if these products should be withdrawn from the market yourself home boiler insulation of asbestos tale vaginal sprays asbestos filters in processing foods and drugs asbestos binder in cigars etc. ~ will remain Correct eS y ee Food and ru Adainistration April 13 1972 Page twe me if am wrong Adntuistration but isn't this the responsibility of the food and rug BIC Very trul . vours BDC Barry 7. Castleman Technical Services Section Division of Air Pollution and Industrial igiene Bureau of Environmental Service CC Senator Charles M. Mathias Representative Paul S. Sarbanes