Talc-treated rice and Japanese stomach cancer

Science. 1971 Sep 17;173(4002):1141-2. doi: 10.1126/science.173.4002.1141.

Abstract

The Japanese prefer talc-dusted rice in their diet. The incidence of stomach cancer in Japan is unusually high. Most talc has some asbestos contaminants. Epidemiologic evidence is presented that the asbestos-contaminated talc on rice in the diet is the carcinogen or cocarcinogen responsible for the high incidence of Japanese stomach cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Asbestos / adverse effects*
  • Food Additives / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Oryza
  • Stomach Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Talc / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Food Additives
  • Asbestos
  • Talc