Document zQ5QneQ3DkzvmBMk1eNzj3DX7

FILE NAME: Talc (TALC) DATE: 1972 Apr 6 DOC#: TALC061 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter to Barry Castleman from the FDA *tME n r DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE FOOD AND DRUG ADM INISTRATION W A SH IN G T O N , D .C . 20204 April 6, 1972 Mr. Barry I. Castleraan Division of Air Pollution and Industrial Hygiene Bureau of Environmental Services Baltimore County Department of Health Maryland Avenue and Hillen Road Towson, Maryland 21204 Dear Mr. Castleman; Your inquiry of March 22, 1972 to Dr. John Palmer concerning asbestos has been referred to me for reply. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of the asbestos problem and v e h a v e been studying it intensively for the past year, there is soe difficulty in identifying asbestos in talc since they are chemica ^y the same and much of our effort has been directed to the development of methods for the analysis of talcum powders for the presence of this contaminant. We now have several methods which we are preparing t apply to commercially available talcs. We do not anticipate that the air levels of asbestos fibers incident to the use of talc will b y where near the tolerance level established for industrial exposure (see attached FR statement of January 12th) but are planning res a to determine this point. A proposal has been published to ban asbestos coats and other except in those circumstances where asbestos clothing " J" 8" *!! .* fireproofing. A copy of this proposal is also enclosed (February 18th). Building materials as such do not come directly within the purview of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. If no other agency is prepared to deal with this problem it is possible that the Hazardous Substances be stretched to cover It, however .e - l d q,,rre adv =e from our General Counsel before attempting any action in this area. - 2- "is hope this is the information you desire. Sincerely yours, John m. vwwuy y */ , Assistant Director for Medical Review division of Colors & Cosmetics Technology Office of Product Technology Enclosures