FDA proposes new tests to detect asbestos in cosmetics and other products containing talc
CBSN
Manufacturers of baby powder and cosmetic products made with talc will have to test them for asbestos under a proposal announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The agency's proposal comes at the directive of Congress, which passed legislation requiring the FDA take action last year. A known human carcinogen, asbestos is found in the same rock types as talc deposits and may mingle in the mining process, potentially leading to contaminated products and raising concerns about the risks to the public.
The FDA's proposed rule would require manufacturers test samples of talc-containing cosmetic products for asbestos with methods including polarized light and transmission electron microscopy, which lights up samples with an electron beam. Alternatively, companies could also rely on a certificate of analysis from their talc suppliers, the agency stated.

As the Trump administration continues to prepare military options for strikes in Iran, U.S. allies in the Mideast, including Turkey, Oman and Qatar, are attempting to head off that possibility by brokering diplomatic talks, multiple regional officials told CBS News. Camilla Schick and Eleanor Watson contributed to this report.

Another winter storm may be headed toward the East Coast of the United States this weekend, on the heels of a powerful and deadly system that blanketed huge swaths of the country in snow and ice. The effects of that original storm have lingered for many areas in its path, and will likely remain as repeated bouts of Arctic air plunge downward from Canada and drive temperatures below freezing. Nikki Nolan contributed to this report. In:











