The safety controversysurrounding Johnson & Johnsons talc-based baby powder continues.
Food and Drug Administration(FDA) found that a sample tested positive for asbestos.
Read on to find out.
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
This finding underscores the importance of investigating any positive test result, saysthe companys release.
So what should you make of these conflicting test results?
Is this baby powder potentially toxic or isnt it?
(Trust issues, much?!)
We stand by the safety of our product.
When we asked the FDA about the discrepancy, it, too, stood by its results.
It also explained how both the positive and negative test results may both be accurate.
Given the powdered nature of the product, we expect non-uniformity in the distribution of any contaminant fibers….
Different samples may provide different results.
It also points out that different methodologies of sample testing can add another element of variation to the results.
Given this, we stand by our findings, the agency says.
We certainly have no corroborating data to show that [the initial positive result] is real.
Yes, it could be a true positive.
As she points out, occasional false positives occur in basically every area of science.
Is there any new information on talc-based products and cancer?
The evidence connecting talc-based products withcanceris just as unsettled as it was before this recent finding.
(you’re free to read a deep dive into the science on thishere.)
(In general, asbestos is much more clearly linked withlung cancerbecause inhaling the mineral can cause damage.)
The most important thing is for people not to get excessively worried," she says.
“The risk [of asbestos being in your baby powder] is really, really small.
The products being recalled are from lot #22318RB.
If your bottle has that exact lot number, you should stop using it immediately.
If having peace of mind means chucking your talc-based baby powder and other products, have at it.
Use what works for you, she says.
The bottom line: Theres still a lot we don’t know.
If youre going to keep using these products, also keep an eye on any upcoming news about them.
Consumers, companies, and regulators alike are more inclined to monitor the situation pretty vigilantly now.
Plus, were going to be getting even more information about asbestos in consumer products shortly.
