Talc Tales: 4. âTime for more confusionâ
In 2000, the US government agencies looked set to list talc as âreasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogenâ. In response, industry assembled a âtalc task forceâ.
When talc might be listed as a potential carcinogen, the industry assembles a âtalc task forceâ. Itâs the year 2000 and the talc industry has heard something big is coming its way. The US government agencies tasked with listing cancer causing substances are set to include talc. The initial recommendation was to list talc containing asbestiform fibres as âknown to be a human carcinogenâ. Theyâd list talc that did not contain asbestiform fibres as âreasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogenâ. In response, the industry lobbying group holds an emergency conference call and sets out a plan. âTo be listed on the Report on Carcinogens can be devastatingâ, one internal industry memo asserts, listing the financial losses they would incur. How would they respond? An industry memo sets out one of their tactics: âTime to come up with more confusionâ.
Presenter and Producer: Phoebe Keane
Sound mix: James Beard
Series Editor: Matt Willis
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