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Original poster

Talcum powder

29 replies

peesandqueues · 08/04/2018 10:10

Would you say anything if a friend was using talc on their baby girl's bum at nappy changes?

Long term the health risks are pretty scary. Would you say something (what/how?) or not interfere?

OP posts:

Dumbledoresgirl · 08/04/2018 10:15

I'd mind my own business. There are millions of us still alive and kicking who used talc for decades. I still do treat myself to tiny quantities of it sometimes.

Though before anyone jumps on me, I didn't use it on my children but more because it can clog the skin than for its long term respiratory effects. But it is still available to buy so it is presumably each person's free choice to use it or not.

ReinettePompadour · 08/04/2018 10:17

I wouldn't say anything. It wont be long term usually anyway. The cases linked to cancer have been using it for decades on a daily basis and those with lung problems often have underlying issues. Millions of people have used it with no issues.

Your friend will see you as interfering and won't appreciate you commenting because you will be judging her parenting, that never goes down well.

If you really feel you need to do something go and buy some liquid talc and tell her its amazing stuff much better than the powder and 10x the price

confusedhelpme · 08/04/2018 10:21

I'd totally mind my own business, seriously why do people these days feel the need to interfere.

Interested in this thread?

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Families

Original poster

peesandqueues · 08/04/2018 10:25

Breathing difficulties is a good point but I was thinking more about the ovarian cancer risk.

That being said, I'll take the advice and keep my mouth shut.

OP posts:

WeAllHaveWings · 08/04/2018 10:26

I would say something along the lines of "I haven't seen anyone use talc for years, takes me back I used to love the smell, but wasnt there something about using it on little girls and it getting inside and being linked with cancer ? Can't remember if it was proven or dismissed but , might be worth checking out", then leave her to do her own homework and make her own decisions . She might not know and thank you for it or has decided the links aren't fully proven.

WeAllHaveWings · 08/04/2018 10:30

Just me then? But I have been known not to hold back, asked sister if she'd done a emergency first aid course for choking yet when our mum handed her 2 year old son a packet of mini eggs!!!

SoupDragon · 08/04/2018 10:36

Are you sure it is talc? There are alternatives that don’t have actual talc in them.

Okaynowimconfused · 08/04/2018 10:39

Yea I probably would say something. Maybe just say "oh that's good you can buy talc free powder now" and if she questions give her the info.

Okaynowimconfused · 08/04/2018 10:41

If I was using it I would want to know. I wouldn't feel judged at all and nor would I feel my friend was interfering. It would be rather sensitive of me if I took offence at someone sharing health risks of talc. I'd be thankful to know.

eurochick · 08/04/2018 11:00

Are you sure it's talc and not just an alternative?

ReinettePompadour · 08/04/2018 16:09

Johnsons baby powder, boots baby powder, tesco, sainsburys, asda, superdrug are all talc free. Theyre made from cornstarch and not talc. YABU to even consider mentioning it to her as it appears every brand I googled is talc free anyway.

dementedpixie · 08/04/2018 16:14

Johnson's does contain talc, I just looked it up

dementedpixie · 08/04/2018 16:16

Tesco also has talc

SoupDragon · 08/04/2018 17:41

Johnson's does contain talc, I just looked it up

They also have a cornstarch version though.

Papplewapplewoo · 08/04/2018 17:52

I would want to know tbh?
Could someone post a link to talc free powder? I can’t find any

ReinettePompadour · 08/04/2018 17:55

Having read a number of articles it says that talc has been asbestos free since the 70s. Its these products that contain asbestos that have been linked with the cancers.

You are correct some powders may contain talc but I found most did not. Its also correct to say that those in the news have been as a result of using talcum powder that contained asbestos which none of the products available in the uk do. This is why the products are still available because theyre considered safe.

I honestly think your friend will already know about this sort of thing. If you were my friend trying to advise scaremongering me about the horrors of using talc I would really think you were being a nuisance. If you do tell her, dont forget to mention the merits of vaccination and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months too because I'm sure no one will have told her that either