Occupational exposure to cosmetic talc and mesothelioma in barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists: A systematic review of the epidemiology.

This article systematically reviews epidemiological evidence on the potential association between occupational exposure to cosmetic talc and mesothelioma risk among barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists. Analyzing 12 studies from Europe and North America over more than 50 years, supplemented by U.S. occupational mortality database queries, the findings predominantly show no increased risk of mesothelioma in these occupations; some statistically significant results even suggest a decreased risk. While a few isolated mortality records indicated elevated risks in specific subgroups, these were based on very small numbers and lost significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons. The review aligns with data from cohorts of cosmetic talc miners and millers, who also do not exhibit increased mesothelioma risk despite higher exposure levels, thereby providing a benchmark for non-occupational users of cosmetic talc products. Overall, the evidence does not support occupational use of cosmetic talc-containing products as a risk factor for mesothelioma.