talcum powder?

tanith

When my children were small there was a big fuss about baby talc and the damage it could do to young lungs when breathed in.. I've never used it since.. and it just makes a terrible mess everywhere too....

vwelsh13

I use it instead of carpet freshener (when its in xmas gifts)

red_devil

vwelsh13 wrote: »

I use it instead of carpet freshener (when its in xmas gifts)

lol what a waste.

beautyscientist

I think it is highly unlikely that talc causes cancer the way it is used by most consumers.

Here is what the cancer research charity says about it.

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/cancercontroversies/talcum-powder/

I haven't read the background literature myself but I do know that ovarian cancer rates are going down and purchasing of talc is going up.

But if you are a very very cautious person, there is some albeit weak evidence that it might cause ovarian cancer so maybe it is better to avoid the anxiety by avoiding the talc. It is also a natural product so you can't be absolutely sure that every single batch will behave the same way like you can with synthetics. That might explain why the bigger studies find no problem.

There is also a plausible mechanism for how talc could cause ovarian cancer. This is not the case for most of the scare stories about cosmetic ingredients.

But I have no hesitation about using it myself and on my family from a safety point of view.

Having said all that, I am in the hate the stuff camp, so I wouldn't use it anyway.

beautyscientist

prudencekitten wrote: »

http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/cosmetics/talc.htm

Q. What kind of exposure is dangerous?
A. Talc is toxic. Talc particles cause tumors in human ovaries and lungs. Numerous studies have shown a strong link between frequent use of talc in the female genital area and ovarian cancer. Talc particles are able to move through the reproductive system and become imbedded in the lining of the ovary. Researchers have found talc particles in ovarian tumors and have found that women with ovarian cancer have used talcum powder in their genital area more frequently than healthy women.[SIZE=-2]2[/SIZE]

The problem with this website is it only gives a couple of references even though there are more studies that are relevant. When you claim there are numerous studies proving what you are proposing it really does raise questions when only three are quoted.

Having said that, at least they do have some evidence. A lot of websites like this simply make stuff up.

dogcat_2

Hate the stuff...never used it...and never will. My ex-husband used to put it in his socks before he put them on...then walk around the house.....very messy....:eek:

Barneysmom

Another use of the work talc -American - is asbestos . Many years ago talc used to contain asbestos so I'd agree there might have been a link at one time but safety standards are much higher now.

jenniewb

I use medicated talc when I have an eczema or psoriosis flare up before I apply treatment creams or sprays. The flare ups normally happen on my limbs and I do worry about the cancer links so avoid any intimate areas.

I do use general talc on my back and underarms in the heat of summer as I find it gives me about 20 minutes longer to sweat through to the point of 'yuck' (though doesn't stop sweating all together:() I also have this theory that it holds onto the deoderant sprays I use over it (more particles on my skin to absorb the scent rather then evaoprate into the air) but I could be wrong- just wild theory I have. I feel I need all the help I can get when it comes to summer!

Mags30

Why do people put lots of talc on the genital area? I have no idea why people would do this? But I don't even own a bottle of talc, just curious.

prudencekitten

Mags30 wrote: »

Why do people put lots of talc on the genital area? I have no idea why people would do this? But I don't even own a bottle of talc, just curious.

Smells nice and absorbs sweat.