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Video length: 2 min
Health: Is talc dangerous?
Health: Is talc dangerous?
(France 2)
Talc is “probably carcinogenic” according to the WHO. This is surprising news, given its presence in many products, such as cosmetics.
A cloud of talcum powder for washing babies: in the past, it was the custom to dry the skin and avoid irritation. A harmless gesture, which should nevertheless be avoided. Experts from the International Agency for Research on Cancer have just classified talcum powder as “probably carcinogenic”. In a pharmacy, customers are surprised.
To examine the carcinogenic risk of talc, scientists used a scale of 1 to 3. A 1 certifies that the agent is carcinogenic, a 3 that it is unclassifiable in terms of risks. Talc is classified 2A, or probably carcinogenic. Talc, present in paper, is also present in everyday products such as cosmetics, or in paint and certain plastic parts. However, its dangerousness has been debated for several years.
