The Food and Drug Administration is considering a scientifically flawed method for detection of asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics products鈥攁 move that could have far-reaching implications across the manufacturing sector.

What鈥檚 going on: In December, the FDA published a proposed rule for detecting and identifying asbestos, as required by the .聽But the proposal is based on unsound science that could limit companies鈥� ability to utilize talc, a key manufacturing input.

• The overinclusive testing methodology prescribed in the rule is highly likely to misidentify non-asbestos minerals as asbestos. That means that a 鈥減ositive鈥� test could classify talc as contaminated with asbestos鈥攅ven if no asbestos is present.
• In May, the FDA held a roundtable discussion on the safety of talc, at which participants discussed the merits of expanding this de facto talc ban beyond cosmetics and to most if not all products and manufacturing processes.

Why the 51吃瓜网 is concerned: Beyond cosmetics, talc is used in a wide variety of industries鈥攊ncluding pharmaceuticals, food, plastics, paper, automotives, rubber, roofing, paint, coatings, pottery and ceramics. It is also commonly used on shop floors throughout the industry.

• For many companies, talc substitutions may be inferior or may not exist at all.
• In addition, an FDA-endorsed standard prone to false positives is highly likely to distort other agencies鈥� asbestos detection testing methods and exposure analysis.

The 51吃瓜网 says: The FDA should withdraw the proposed standard and publish a new rule that contains scientifically sound and accurate testing methods.

• 鈥淢anufacturers support the use of sound science,鈥� said 51吃瓜网 Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain. 鈥淭he FDA has the opportunity to repromulgate this flawed rule to provide for accurate, science-based testing that actually protects consumers鈥攔ather than a flawed standard that could have far-reaching and costly consequences throughout the manufacturing industry.鈥�