Document ypQw6OJp8zM235Jy30mQ4bzgn

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 end 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 asbestos 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 asbestos-containing products (such as building materials sold to homeowners in hardware stores) under the Hasardous Substances Act, this course is not being actively pursued. I don't know of another U.S. government agency which has responsi bility for requiring labeling of hasardous 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 uajor constituent in cosmetic powders and perfumed vaginal spaays (its use in dusting surgical gioves 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 t 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 asbestos-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of specific products in the light or darkness of present knowledge, and then deciding if these products should be withdrawn from the market (do-it-yourself home boiler insulation of asbestos, talc vaginal sprays, asbestos filters in processing foods and drugs, asbestos "binder" in cigars, etc.) - will remain. Correct AI'porod13 an3d'j, Administration l7' P t?* two na If I a; vront > ds'iulstration? BIC/cti but Isn 't th is the resp o n sib ility nr the roo and 'ruf vry tru" ^ours, /3JC~ 3arry 7. Castle^an X`Hevenisniolenal orfwAarivrtc'ePsolSluetcitoionn gnd Indutr ia l 'Helene Ware.tro o f Favirontatmta l Service CC: Senator Charles M. Mathias Representative Faul S. Sarbanes