Document z6njr36aEDzRnqedQzgxeeR3

FILE NAME: CTFA (CTFA) DATE: 1976 Mar 15 DOC#: CTFA011 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter-Examintion for Asbestos in Talc BABY pSOOUCTS COMPANY NEW BRUNSWiCK, N J OS03 March 15, 1976 Dr. Norman F. Estrin Vice President - SCienCe Cosmetic, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association 1133. 15th Street, .. Washington, D.C-. 20005 Re: Examination for Asbestos In Talc Dear Dr. Estrin: The talc, which is used by Johnson s Johnson is solely derived from its own mine in Vermont, where the ore i,e mined selectively and thenbeneficiated by the process of flotation. Shipments of this highly purified talc are-routinely'examined by our own laboratory to verify the absence of asbestos minerals.. Historical!y -,Johnson. A- Johnson has always been concerned about the mineralgica! integrity of its. ta.Los and even its earliest speci-. fieations have required the examination for acicular particulates,; When it was erroneously reported in 1971 tht our powder contained asbestos, we; sponsored a scientific seminar of njineralcgical and analytical experts for the FD to. prove that our talc is not con taminated with asbestos. At that time numerous sfunples were analyzed b y .experienced Consultants such as McCrone Associates. . Colorado School of Mines, Professor F. D. Poley (of the University College, Cardiff), ; Professor G . Brown (of Pri ncpcon'i and Professor M; Buerger (of M.I,T. )'. Thse examinations incJuded X-ray diffrac tion analysis, differential thermal analysis, and transmission electron microscopy.' - During, the period December 1972 to October 1973, 93 lots were indi vidually sampled and, examined by X-ray diffractometry for the presence of asbestos minerals. No amphiboles or serpentine minerals were, detected in any sample. Dr- N. F. Estrin C.T.F.A. - 2- March 15, 1976 Beginning in October 1973, differential .thermal, analysis was added to our specified requirement; Both, differential thermal analysis, and.X-ray diffraetometry Wereinstituted for the routine examination of sequential lotis . A further 300 lots have since been examined, ' applying both methods to each sample. Again, no amphibole or ser pentine minerals have been.detected, I would like to advise that tfe are.continuing to employ dif.-Tren.tiai./ thermal analysis arid X-ray diffraetometry in the examination of sequential lots for the detection of amphibole and serpentine min erals. It should be pointed out that we also maintain a worldwide monitoring of talcs used by our Johnson & Johnson affiliates, employing these same techniques. Fihally, let.me add that periodically, we.also submit sub-samples for Transmission Electron Microscope examination and these have always verified the absence of asbestifortn minerals. It is or understanding that you would wish to submit this information to th FDA iPlea& regard this letter as non-confidential. Sincerely yours* / George Lee Director of Applied Research GL/mm