Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Talcum powder
Talc-based body and baby powders. Some historical formulations were contaminated with asbestos.
Also known as: talc, talc powder, baby powder
What this does NOT mean
Finding a factor documented in this product category does not establish that ordinary use of talcum powder causes cancer. It means research — through regulatory testing, recall records, or IARC review — has found that chemical present in this category. Whether it matters for you depends on formulation, dose, frequency, and route of exposure.
What has been documented
- AsbestosIARC Group 1IARC Group 1Contamination · high confidence
Cosmetic talc has been recalled multiple times after asbestos was detected in samples.
Evidence source: FDA testing records
How to read this page
A factor appearing on this page means it has been documented in this product category — through EPA / FDA testing, IARC monographs, or regulatory recall records. Whether it presents a meaningful personal risk depends on the specific formulation, dose, and how you're exposed. Click any factor to read what science actually says about it, and where.