Today I am sharing some information by my friend, Jessica about the dangers in baby powder. I have to admit while I have never really used baby powder in diapering my babies I do use it often while at the beach to get sand off my body. After reading this article I am throwing away what I have left of it today. I hope you find the below educational. Have a great Hump Day!
Asbestos in Baby Powder and the Risks to Consumer Health
Recent stories in the news about baby powder are troubling for anyone who has used this supposedly safe hygiene product. There are now reports, studies, and evidence from lawsuits that indicate Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products have been contaminated with asbestos and may contribute to cancer in regular users. Know the facts about talcum powder and asbestos and how to protect yourself and your family.
Asbestos in Talc
Baby powder and similar products are largely made from a mineral called talc. Mined from the ground, talc is ground into a fine powder that is exceptionally good at absorbing moisture and reducing friction. For these reasons, many people turn to baby powder products for hygiene. It can absorb moisture from sweat and also reduce abrasion between two areas of skin, preventing rashes in both adults and babies.
At issue now is the fact that when talc is mined it may come out of the ground with contaminating asbestos. Asbestos is a harmful, carcinogenic mineral that has long been regulated. Manufacturers of hygiene and personal care products containing talc are supposed to ensure there is no contaminating asbestos.
But studies have found that talcum powder products often do have asbestos in them when they hit the shelves for consumers to purchase. One study tested these products at random and across brands and found that many contained asbestos.
Talcum Powder and Cancer
Asbestos is a carcinogen, which means it can change cells and damage them to the point that they become malignant. Exposure to carcinogens can trigger cancer. The longer the exposure, the bigger the risk, as many women who used baby powder for decades unfortunately discovered.
Several women have filed lawsuits against companies, including Johnson & Johnson, because of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer after many years of using baby powder. Studies have backed up their claims that the powder played a role in their cancers. For instance, one study found that in a large group of women, those who used baby powder were significantly more likely than others to have ovarian cancer. Another found that ovarian tumors in women who used baby powder contained particles of talc.
Whether or not it is the asbestos that has caused cancer in these women is not certain, but it seems likely. Many of the affected women have filed lawsuits and have been successful in recovering damages. In one of these cases a woman was awarded $72 million by the jury after her legal team proved that executives at Johnson & Johnson knew their products were often contaminated by asbestos.
Protect Your Family
Baby powder is a useful product that has been popular for decades. But, there are safer alternatives you can use now that you know the truth about asbestos contamination and cancer. Try natural food products like arrowroot, corn, tapioca, or rice starch. Baking soda can also be a good alternative for absorbing moisture. There are also natural powders on the market that do not include talc or other minerals.
More lawsuits and more information are likely to be uncovered as research digs into the reality of talcum powder and baby powder products. In the meantime families can avoid using these products to stay safe and stick with natural, asbestos- and talc-free products.
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