Last Updated on April 14, 2022 by Ithos Global Regulatory Team
Health Canada released the Final Screening Assessment for Talc on April 24, 2021. Under certain conditions of use, talc was found to be CEPA toxic.
The final screening assessment describes the potential areas of concern as:
- Inhalation of fine particles of talc when using loose powder products like baby powder, body powder, and loose face powder, which can damage the lungs; and
- Exposure of the female genital area to products containing talc such as body powder, baby powder, diaper and rash creams, genital antiperspirants and deodorants, body wipes, bath bombs and bubble bath.
These areas of concern affect certain cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs in Canada.
Based on the information available, the final screening assessment concluded that there are no human health risks from ingestion (e.g., talc in food or drugs), or dermal or inhalation exposures from pressed powders (e.g., pressed powder makeup).
Health Canada is proposing appropriate risk management action. These measures include revising the existing entries for talc on the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist and the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database and applicable monographs. This will provide information to manufacturers on the expanded restrictions on the use of talc in cosmetics, natural health products and non-prescription drugs that can be inhaled or used in the female genital area.
