Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy will hold a hearing on “Examining the Public Health Risks of Carcinogens in Consumer Products."
WHERE: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building
WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 2019
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
PURPOSE
The hearing will examine: (1) the scientific evidence of health risks from long-term use of consumer products containing talc; and (2) federal regulatory framework over consumer products.
BACKGROUND
* Talc is used in many consumer products and is often contaminated with asbestos.
* Since the 1960s, scientists have identified a possible link between ovarian cancer and the use of powders containing talc.
* On Feb. 21, 2019, the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission issued subpoenas in an investigation of asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder.
* On March 5, 2019, the FDA confirmed that it detected asbestos in product samples collected from Claire’s and Justice retailers marketed to children.
* In the wake of these findings, the FDA issued a statement urging cosmetic firms to “take responsible steps to voluntarily register their products and list ingredients, including talc, used in their products via the FDA’s Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program."
WITNESSES
Dr. Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD
Member
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Scott Faber
Vice President of Government Affairs
Environmental Working Group
Marvin Salter
Son of Deceased Ovarian Cancer Patient
Watch the hearing livestream here.
