to be surprised that Johnsons baby powder still contains talc

[BlackMarigold]

Why wouldn't they substitute it for corn starch?
I know there's no definite evidence that talc causes ovarian cancer but there've been persistent concerns over the years and recent compensation award.

[AuntieStella]

Because for as long as people want to buy talc, they'll sell it.

When consumers start voting with their feet and only buying non-talc powders, then perhaps they'll change it.

[OurBlanche]

Given that there is no clear evidence of the link I doubt it.

An American jury works very differently to one here and often 'the story' of the case becomes paramount. That seems to be the case here, the compensation amount won't stand, for example, and J+J will continue to contest it.

Also, it is important to note that this case is for historical use and formula of J+J talc in the US, talc has been chalk free there since the 70s'.

And what about other uses of chalk?

[Pufflehuff]

I was stunned to see plenty of women, both old and young, claiming they still use this 'shower to shower' product for 'freshness'. I appreciate the US has a longer history of vaginal douching and putting scented products in that area, and it's going to take a long time to reverse that trend, but I thought some progress might have been made by now. It's still happening, these items are still big sellers. They've been trying to push them on the UK but I don't think we're as easily convinced by them - I've seen more backlash than publicity.

We can neither seem to force the items off the shelves nor stop people buying them even when they know they can create significant problems.

J+J actually sell two sorts in the US - a safe cornflour one, and the original formula with the talc. Still on the shelf, no warning on the label and simply not safe for 'feminine freshness'.

[Lockheart]

Sooner or later most things will kill you if you're exposed to the right quantities and conditions.

Oxygen can cause irreparable brain damage and yet somehow it's also vital for our existence.

It's this sort of ridiculous phobia of chemicals that allows cults like Arbonne to thrive and promote their ridiculous buggery-bollocky "safe and natural" aloe rubbish. Talc is exactly as natural as aloe. It wouldn't surprise me in a few years if aloe is found to have some sort of carcinogenic property as well.

I don't use talcum powder often, but I won't be throwing it out of my bathroom cabinet just yet.

[OurBlanche]

I agree, Lockheart. I use it too. Not everyday, but when you need it nothing else will do.

And this is where I got the info about talc not containing chalk in the US.. I had assumed it was and FDA thing!

www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/athome/talcum-powder-and-cancer

[feellikeahugefailure]

My pool has a 50+ session every other day. White powder is flying all over the place after the session is over. It really affects my asthma.

[Sallyingforth]

There still seems to be some doubt over the talc thing. But I wouldn't want to spread corn starch over my fanny either!

[whatisforteamum]

Growing up My Mum insisted we use talc in our knickers after a bath.It was johnsons and she has always done it.At 64 she was diagnosed with an an ovarian type cancer stage 4.Incurable.She told me about 8 yrs ago there was rumours to be a link.
I certainly wont buy it.

[temporaryusername]

Neals yard and burts bees both do really nice talc free powders.

[Gisla]

I wouldn't want to spread corn starch over my fanny either!

My fanny is perfectly fine without being powdered with anything.

[Sallyingforth]

Exactly Gisla :)

[Gisla]

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I was arguing with you. I'd never heard of people powdering their fannies with anything before so I was a bit shocked when typing. My mum used to use talc to kill ants.

[OurBlanche]

We must be Sweaty Bettys

But I do use it to avoid heat rash under knicker elastic and my bra. Wearing sports kit made it seem like a good idea!

[Sallyingforth]

Gisla
My fault for not being clearer. I agree with you absolutely :)

[backwardpossom]

I'm currently using J&J baby powder to deal with the ants who decided to have a party in my kitchen while I was away for the weekend. Nobbers.

It's been very effective - not seen any for a couple of days now...

[Mari50]

Have to admit I always wonder who actually uses talc these days and what for? I remember using copious amounts post swimming when I was young back in the day and to dry up my greasy hair (yuk) but I'm not sure I've known anyone use it post 1985.

[TiggeryBear]

I use it to get sand off my feet after going to the beach, it's about the only thing that works & means that I can drive home in my shoes :-)

[DisappointedOne]

Got given a load of J+J shite stuff when DD was born. Lotions, oils, shampoo and wash all got sent to charity shop. 2 tubs of baby powder used only to get sand off feet still going strong (and DD is almost 5.5!)

[Lockheart]

I also used to use lots after swimming in the 90s when I was a child! Must have been a thing.

I mostly use it as a dry shampoo if I need to give my hair a pick-me-up, or sometimes as a shoe freshener. You can also use it as a dry deodorant - I've done this once or twice when I wasn't paying attention and run out of my normal deodorant. It works pretty well in a pinch but I wouldn't want to have to rely on it if I was having a particularly sweaty day.

I don't use an awful lot of it, I can't even remember when I bought the current bottle I have, but it's one of those things that's useful to have in the cabinet just in case.

[MaidOfStars]

I didn't realise women powder their fannies. Um, if you need to do so to, um, keep dry, doesn't it go all cakey?

[NeedACleverNN]

What is the problem with talc??

I have obviously missed something

[OurBlanche]

I am NOT going to explain to grown women how a thin coating of absorbent stuff can reduce a sweat rash.

There is no shame attached to using talc, you know. It isn't an illicit substance and every woman does sweat. If you have never had to use it, fine. But could you lay off the astounded disbelief, please?

[TinklyLittleLaugh]

People powder their fannyies to dry them out!!!! Surely not. That must be hideously uncomfortable. Why would anyone do such a thing?

[OurBlanche]

Where/why do you think the talc goes?

I have explained why I do it, where I put it. Why the horror?

[Micah]

Quite apart frm the cancer thing,if you inhale talc it completely buggers your lungs. Seriously.

So for that reason aline it should be off sale.