Talc is classified as a toxic substance in Canada because of its potential to harm human health, so why is it still in our personal care products?

As a concerned citizen, I am deeply troubled by the fact that our country has recognized the link between perineal (genital) exposure to talc and ovarian cancer, yet does not require hazard labelling on personal care products containing this harmful ingredient. Talc is commonly found in items such as genital wipes, bath bombs, body powder or hair removal creams – products that are disproportionately marketed towards and used by women-identifying people. This puts those with ovarian reproductive systems at an increased risk due to sex-specific health effects like ovarian cancer.

Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have recognized that perineal exposure to talc can cause ovarian cancer. However, there is no requirement for manufacturers to disclose these risks on their product labels in Canada.

Non-cancer lung effects following inhalation of talc was also identified as a critical health effect, but products labels are only required to tell users to keep the products away from children to avoid inhalation. What about everyone else? Health effects from inhalation of talc do not only exist for children. 

We must also address Canada's approach to managing the health risks associated with talc exposure. In Canada's draft risk management approach for talc, "communications to the public to help avoid inhalation and perineal exposure to talc" was identified as a risk management measure, but this was not included in the final risk management approach. This raises concerns as to the public's right to know and the government's commitment to protecting human health. The reinstatement of "communications to the public to help avoid inhalation and perineal exposure to talc" as a risk management measure is crucial.

Safer alternatives exist - cornstarch and arrowroot powder being some examples - which can easily replace talc without compromising product quality or user experience. It's time we prioritize health over profits.

We call upon Health Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and other relevant authorities to ban the use of talc in personal care products, especially those that can be inhaled or used in the perineal region; mandate hazard labelling stating links between perineal exposure to talc and ovarian cancer; reinstate public communication measures about these risks as a risk management measure; and mandate manufacturers' use of safer alternatives like cornstarch instead of talc.

Please sign this petition today if you believe everyone has a right to safe personal care products without hidden dangers lurking within them.

Image source: Austin Kirk, Flickr, 2014