What is Talcum Powder
Talcum Powder is made from talc. Talc is a mineral that contains magnesium, silicon and oxygen. In its natural state, some talc also contains asbestos. Talc that has been purified from asbestos is generally what is used in consumer products.
The reason talcum powder is used is that it absorbs moisture well and helps cut down on friction so it is good for helping to keep skin dry and prevent rashes; which is why it is often found in baby powder and adult body and facial powders.
Industrial talc is used in the production of:
- Clay, Pottery and Ceramic tiles
- Paint and Finishing glazes
- Plastic automotive parts
- Sinks, Toilets and Household Appliances like Stoves, Dishwashers, Washers and Dryers
- Crayons, Chalk, Ink
- Rubber gloves
- Electric cables and Switchboards
- Rubber sealants, Gaskets, Jointing compounds, Putties and Adhesives
- Anti-caking agents in animal feed
- Wastewater treatment plants use it to purify water
In more recent days there have been concerns that talcum powder may be a cause of cancer. Research on this topic has mainly focused on people who have had long-term exposure at work (like miners of talc) and if use of talcum powder by women in their genital area has raised the risk of ovarian cancer. Studies have been done both in labs and in people groups to define whether there is an increase in cancer in the situations mentioned above.
Should Talcum Power Be Used to Prevent Diaper Rash?
Talc inhalation can cause wheezing, coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. In small babies that have inhaled or swallowed talcum powder, it is rare but talcum poisoning can be fatal.
Zinc-based diaper rash creams are a great alternative to powders used to prevent rashes for infants and toddlers.
Other Powders That are Talc-Free Are:
- Arrowroot Starch Powders
- Baking Soda
- Bentonite Clay
- Cornstarch Powders
- Oat Flour
- Kaolin Clay
- Tapioca Starch Powders
Does Talc Cause Cancer?
In 1971 researchers found talc particles in ovarian tumors but more recent studies have not proven that cancer is definitely caused by using talcum powder in the genital area. Miners may be seeing higher rates of lung cancer due to inhaling a number of elements while at work and many tests for ovarian cancer are too varied to be reliable. There are many other factors which play a larger part in people who were studied for these tests such as older age, long-term hormone therapy, family history, and genetics.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO) has made the following rulings:
- Talc that contains asbestos is “carcinogenic to humans.”
- Talc that does not contain asbestos is “not carcinogenic to humans.”
- There is not enough evidence regarding talc used in the genital area to be definitive, however it is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
What is Asbestos?
Talc and Asbestos are both naturally occurring mineral deposits that form alongside each other. That is why some talc has asbestos in it. Asbestos is a crystal-like structure that is made up of several minerals that include tremolite, anthophyllite, erionite, richterite, winchite and taconite.
Although there is not enough information to prove that asbestos causes Cancer, several scientific studies have shown that mining and milling asbestos-contaminated talc causes asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
In the 1970’s there was growing evidence that asbestos was not safe for human use. There is no regulation on asbestos use in many cosmetic products but in 1976, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA), which is the trade association representing the cosmetic and personal care products industry, issued voluntary guidelines stating that all talc used in cosmetic products in the United States should be free from detectable amounts of asbestos according to their standards.
Since that time there have been several situations that I don’t want to spend a lot of time on but I will share with you a list of brands that were found to have asbestos contamination in the past:
- Bauer & Black Baby Talc
- Cashmere Bouquet Body Talc
- Coty Airspun Face Powder
- Desert Flower Dusting Powder
- English Leather After Shave Talc
- Faberge Brut Talc
- Friendship Garden Talcum Powder
- Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
- Kings Men After Shave Talc
- Old Spice After Shave Talc
- Pinaud Clubman Talc Powder
- Rosemary Talc
- ZBT Baby Powder
In summary not all talcum powder contains asbestos but some talc is sourced, for talcum powder products, that are naturally contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos-contaminated talcum powder can cause mesothelioma.
Until it is proven otherwise, it is wise to reduce the use of products with talc that has not been purified.
Resources and Start Learning More:
- Asbestos in Talc & Mesothelioma Cancer Risks by The Mesothelioma Center Staff
- Does baby powder cause cancer? What to know by Kat Gál and medically reviewed by Karen Richardson Gill, MD, FAAP for Medical News Today
- Does Talc Cause Cancer? by Amy Keller, RN, edited by Emily Miller for DrugWatch
- Talcum Powder and Cancer by American Cancer Society Staff
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I hope this article helps Fuel Your Wellness. Please leave your comments below.
Summer D Clemenson co-owns Clemenson Enterprises and Wellness Works NW with her wife, Karen G Clemenson. Their personal motto is Creativity, Honesty & Positivity are a must! This mantra helps them stay community and wellness minded in all they do. Summer is an Independent Wellness Advocate at dōTERRA. Summer also writes poetry and inspirational blogs @ ClemensonEnterprises.com. Her crochet art can be viewed and purchased @ KnottyWares.com & she loves special orders!
