Talc, it looks innocent, but did you know that scientists have been warning us about potential risks since the 1960s.
Talc is a mineral-based product used in baby powder and many other cosmetics. Although published health studies have shown a link between talc use and ovarian cancer, millions of men and women still use it to absorb moisture and promote freshness.
In fact, it is still a popular diaper rash prevention strategy used by infants and young children.
Johnson & Johnson spent more than $700 million in talc/ovarian cancer-related lawsuits in 2016 and 2017 alone, with tens of thousands of pending lawsuits. In fact, an exclusive report just released by Reuters shows that Johnson & Johnson is exploring a way to offload liability related to the baby powder lawsuit by seeking bankruptcy plans. According to Reuters, Johnson & Johnson may use a newly formed business to handle talc-related litigation and then seek bankruptcy protection, thereby reducing payments for cases that are not resolved in advance.
Still, people continue to use talc-containing products on themselves and their children. Perhaps they do not believe in the potential health hazards of talc, although many studies and case reports have clearly pointed out its dangers.
Past reports have made it clear – you should never use baby powder or products containing talc powder on your skin. In addition, even inhalation of these products can be problematic. The good news is that there are many natural alternatives to talc that are completely safe and just as effective.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > what is the use of baby powder? </h1>
Baby powder is often used to absorb moisture and reduce friction. When applied to the skin, it can help prevent rashes and other skin irritations such as cracking. Many women apply baby powder to the perineum, underwear or pads to keep the area fresh and dry.
Talc is also commonly added to makeup products such as foundation and powder to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth appearance. Parents often use it in babies and young children to prevent bacterial overgrowth, yeast and diaper rash.
Baby talc is a product name for talcum powder, which is made from talc and is a clay mineral that contains magnesium, silicon and oxygen. Talc is mined near asbestos, another naturally occurring mineral known to have carcinogenic effects. According to information released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "to prevent talc from being contaminated with asbestos, talc mining sites must be carefully selected and measures taken to adequately purify the ore."
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers cosmetic talc to be contaminated with asbestos unacceptable, there is no federal authorization to test and approve cosmetics and ingredients before they land on store shelves. To address safety issues in talcum powder and cosmetics, the FDA conducted a survey in 2009 and 2010.
The FDA asked nine talc suppliers to participate in the investigation by sending talc samples. Of the 9 suppliers, only 4 comply with this requirement. Meanwhile, after testing, 34 cosmetics were purchased at retail stores in Washington, D.C., and tested for asbestos contamination. The survey found that no asbestos was found in any of the samples or products analyzed, but the FDA said those findings were limited because only four suppliers provided samples and the test was limited to 34 products. Therefore, this survey does not prove that most or all talc-containing products sold in the United States are not contaminated with asbestos.
In fact, J&J recently recalled a batch of baby powder due to concerns about asbestos contamination with baby powder.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > the cancer threat of baby powder and more</h1>
1. Ovarian cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, numerous studies of women have investigated the relationship between talc and ovarian cancer. When a woman applies baby talcum powder or any product containing talc to the genital area, the powder particles can pass through the vagina, into the uterus and fallopian tubes, and reach the ovaries.
The first study to suggest that talc is associated with ovarian cancer appeared in 1971, when talc particles appeared in human ovarian and uterine tumors. Then, in 1982, a study linked the use of genital talc to ovarian cancer. Since then, dozens of studies have shown a strong link.
A 2016 study conducted in Boston and published in Epidemiology analyzed the association between ovarian cancer and genital talc use. The researchers examined talc use as a control for 2,041 women with ovarian cancer and 2,100 women of similar age and geographic location. The data showed that genital talcum powder increased the risk of ovarian cancer by 33%. The longer a woman does not use talcum powder in the genital area, the lower the risk of cancer. Those who use taco more frequently face a greater risk of ovarian cancer.
Another study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, involved more than 1,300 African-American women. Baby powder is commonly used by 62.8% of women with ovarian cancer, which means that there is a significant association between the use of baby powder and the risk of ovarian cancer.
A New York Times article published in August 2017 noted that a judge recently ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $417 million in damages to a 63-year-old woman who developed ovarian cancer after using baby powder on her genital area at the age of 11. There have been more than 5,000 cases against Johnson & Johnson's baby powder, all of which claim carcinogenic effects. Between 2016 and 2017, Johnson & Johnson lost more than $700 million.
2. Lung cancer
While inhalation of talc powder alone may not be directly related to the development of lung cancer, studies have shown an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases by talc miners and miller owners. This is most likely due to possible exposure to different forms of asbestos that talc.
A 2015 review of evidence published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found an increase in lung cancer mortality among talc miners. However, talc exposure may be confounded with other carcinogens, and the data cannot be adjusted to measure only the effects of talc.
Another study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, assessed the risk of lung cancer and respiratory diseases in workers exposed to asbestos-free talc and silica while manufacturing ceramic plumbing units. The researchers showed that workers exposed to high levels of silicon dust and no talc were not at significant risk of lung cancer. However, in addition to exposure to high levels of silica, workers exposed to talc had a significantly increased risk of lung cancer by a factor of 2.5. The longer you are exposed to talc in the workplace, the higher the mortality rate.
3. Lung diseases
Inhalation of the very small particles that make up talc can lead to lung irritation and respiratory discomfort. Continuous use or exposure to talc can have a negative impact on infants, children, adolescents and adults. Even asbestos-free talc can cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory system when ingested or inhaled.
A lung disease called pulmonary talc is a rare disease caused by occupational contact or continuous inhalation or ingestion of talc. A report published in the BMJ Case Report describes a 24-year-old woman who had inhaled cosmetic talc for 4 months. 10 years later she developed talc. The disease involves inflammation, chronic cough and difficulty breathing.
4. Respiratory diseases of infants and children
There have been numerous cases of infants and preschoolers adversely affected by talcum powder. Reports from the Poison Control Center show that the child inhaled talc while changing diapers or clothes. When an infant or child inhales tiny particles in baby powder, it dries its mucous membranes and affects the ability to breathe. If enough powder is inhaled at a certain time or for a period of time, it can lead to severe lung damage.
A case report published on BMJ described a 12-week-old baby accidentally inhaling and ingesting baby powder that was accidentally spilled on his face while changing diapers. He immediately coughed and was choked by the powder, then vomited and refused to eat. Four hours later, he was admitted to the hospital with severe breathing difficulties. After 30 minutes of admission, his condition deteriorated and his breathing stopped. After his airways were immobilized, he vomited a white talc-like substance.
5. Granulomatous disease
Talc granulomatous disease occurs when intravenous drug users inject oral tablets containing talc. Talc is used in these tablets to hold together the ingredients of the drug. Studies have shown that injecting talc powder into blood vessels can cause arteries to block, bone tissue to lose blood flow, and granulomas to form in the lungs. Granulomas are formed by infection or inflammation caused by the presence of foreign substances.
Where else is talc hidden?
Talc isn't just found in baby powder; in fact, it's hidden in products that many people use on a daily basis. Below is a list of products that typically contain talc.
Bath bully
Shower products
soap
latex
Feminine hygiene products
Blush
Gilding cream
foundation
eye shadow
lipstick
mask
toothpaste
deodorant
Before buying any of these products, look for "talc" or "cosmetic talc" on the label. If you choose to use a product that contains talc, choose companies that prove that their products do not contain talc, especially if you use powder or lotion in the pelvic area.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > a better alternative to products containing talc</h1>
For infants
There are many natural and safe ways to prevent diaper rash in infants and young children. Instead of relying on commercial products for your baby's skin, make your own DIY diaper rash cream with coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, witch hazel and calendula. This homemade diaper cream will help reduce inflammation and skin irritation without putting your baby at risk.
Magnesium oil is another safe option. It has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties that can help quickly cure diaper rash.
For women
There are natural alternatives that use talcum powder or products and help absorb moisture efficiently and keep you feeling fresh. For example, baking soda has many uses for your skin and hair.
Corn starch also helps relieve skin irritation. Applying it to the skin can relieve insect bites, cracked skin, sunburn, tinea fungus, Hong Kong foot and diaper rash.
If you're looking for a natural alternative to foundation, try DIY foundation makeup. It is made from skin healing and soothing ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, non-nanoparticle zinc oxide and vitamin E oil. To add color to this foundation, you can use cinnamon and nutmeg, or cocoa powder.
If you've ever wondered how to make lipstick, try my all-natural homemade lavender lipstick. Its ingredients soften and repair your skin while also getting rid of bad lines.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > the final thought</h1>
Baby talc is a product name for talc, a clay mineral made from talc, a clay mineral that contains magnesium, silicon and oxygen. Talc is mined near asbestos, another naturally occurring mineral known to have carcinogenic effects.
Numerous studies of women, infants, children and male miners or miller owners have shown that inhaling talc or applying talc-containing products to the skin can lead to health conditions such as ovarian cancer, lung cancer, lung disease and respiratory disease.
Using natural alternatives to products containing talc, including cosmetic foundations, deodorants, baby powder, lipsticks and lotions, will help you avoid the dangers of applying talc to your skin or inhaling talc.