Issue and Concerns of Talcum Powder in India: Time to Act

The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) episode has raised serious public health concerns regarding the use of talc in powder and even in other cosmetics because of asbestos contamination in talc. Further, numerous studies have also highlighted the presence of asbestos in talc. In this context, this report gives a brief introduction of the asbestos in talc issue highlighting the J&J episode and various studies carried out globally. Further, the report highlights the regulations and actions concerning talc both at the global and Indian scale. This report also gives a brief overview of asbestos testing in talc and the need for robust standardized testing methods. This report also provides a summary of the available alternatives to talc. Finally, emphasizing the prevention approach, some recommendations are proposed in this report to safeguard the health of women and children.

This report relates to Sustainable Development Goals 3, 8, 10, 12, 16.

Special thanks to IPEN's South Asia Regional Coordinator Tripti Arora and South Asia Regional Hub Toxics Link for their important contributions to the development and finalization of the project.