DANGERS: People can inhale the free crystalline silica found in powder products, prolonged exposure to which could put users at risk of lung cancer, an academic said

Most countries do not ban or limit the use of crystalline silica in cosmetics, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said, adding that it would continue to reference international regulations and revise regulations accordingly.

The agency issued the remarks after an academic suggested banning or limiting the mineral’s use to reduce risk of lung cancer in women.

Kou said most people have very low exposure to crystalline silica in the environment, but miners or people who work in stone cutting or processing, casting and refractory brick production might often be exposed to it, and the government has set exposure limits.

However, crystalline silica is used in cosmetic products to absorb oil and reflect light, which makes the skin look brighter and more delicate, he said.

It is easy to inhale as it is frequently used near the mouth and nose, which makes it more harmful, but there are no limitations to its use in cosmetic products.

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is found naturally in stone, sand, mud, dirt, air and water, and its common products include brick, glass, ceramic, plaster, granite, concrete, detergent, skin care and cosmetic products, the FDA said in response.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) listed respirable crystalline silica in the form of quartz or cristobalite dust as a human carcinogen, because inhaling it might increase the risk of developing lung cancer, the FDA said.

However, most cosmetic products are in the form of liquid or cream, so the risk of inhaling it is low, it said, adding that if people who use powder cosmetics should dab an appropriate amount of product and avoid patting it too hard on the face to reduce the risk of inhaling the powder.