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.

I was advised (warned) to use only cornstarch powder on DS1 when he was a baby. He was born in 1983. I honestly don't remember exactly why I was warned off talc, but obvs it wasn't because of a possible link to ovarian cancer! But whatever it was it also stopped me using it on my ladyparts.

It's standard advice, not to use powder on a baby. Any powder. It's just that talc is the one powder most people expect to use.

It could be poster paint, flour, icing sugar... or cornflour, just don't let your newborn breath it in.

I use talc all the time but I don't puff it around or breathe it in. I put some in my socks to prevent fungal infections and I put some in my hands and apply it where my bra rubs on warm days. I used it on my baby too when changing his nappy but again never puffed it about and applied it using my hands and only a bit at a time. I don't think I would have used it if I'd had a girl baby - I would have been worried about it getting into places and causing some kind of irritation. It was handy on ds's bits and pieces though.

I've never used it on either my or the DCs genitals, but it has many other uses.

It's amazing for getting the sand off beachy feet, amazing for getting grease stains off clothes, keeping feet fresh in shoes, swimming hats on. Cornstarch ones aren't bad (I use the Lush ones after swimming) but talc definitely has the edge. And I love the smell of Johnson's.

I thought it was mainly for babies bums. Medicated talc is fab for nappy rash.

It's for bums and pits in this house

J&J extra dry talc is made from corn starch and is talc free.

I still remember the argument I had with my mother when I refused to allow talc to be used on my firstborn in 1977. I hadn't read anything about it (this was pre Internet) but had studied geology at Uni so I was aware of how close the minerals asbestos and talc were in form and this made me very wary. I still wouldn't allow it though I believe some baby powders are talc free.
An earlier message mentioned chalk. Chalk is a sedimentary rock which bears no resemblance to talc either in form or chemical composition.

I buy J&J baby power because I want talc

Power=Powder

[forms mental image of Talc Woman... nope, Talc Power really isn't all that effective ]

Blimey, you learn something new everyday. I have never heard of this before.

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

My fanny is perfectly fine without being powdered with anything."

Why on earth would anyone use talc there anyway? I use it on my feet after swimming because I struggle to get socks on over towel dried feet. I just shake a little into my hand to put onto my feet. It is also very useful for helping to get damp sand off your feet when at the beach.

I'm in the US and have never seen the talc J & J here. Only the cornstarch J&J one.

I'm still not quite sure when/why you would put talc on a baby. (Or baby lotion for that matter).

M/w and h/v advised us to just use cotton wool and water for ages which we did. Is it to make them smell nice ???

Shall I say it again? A little talc under the knicker elastic can work wonders on a sweat rash. If you have never suffered from dhobi itch, whichever little microbe causes it, you won't understand, I get that, but if you ever get it remember: talc can be a great soother whilst waiting for the cream to work!

I never used powder, lotion, or oil on ds but have used all for myself, (Only cornstarch J&J) I also bought some 'J & J Baby Cologne' for myself the other day - smells heavenly - but surely no one would use that on an actual baby??! Seriously I think most people just buy these items for themselves - I use a knock off Dreft laundry detergent (baby laundry detergent) because again it smells heavenly. I only have one ds and he is 14...I buy it for myself!

Oh and I don't at all mind a little scented cornstarch in the fanny, under the bra line - especially in summer when I start to sweat the minute I step out of the shower (live in a hot climate). Keeps me cool and comfortable. Oh I use it between my toes too after a shower. Did you know those thick ugly green toenail fungus-es are caused by moisture in between the toes? I asked a pedicurist once and that is what they told me. Not going to happen here.

Well researchers in related areas are coming out in recent days to suggest that talc does have possible health risks, some academic from Cambridge has commented on the dangers in The Telegraph today.

And ffs, I live in the USA and I don't know ANYONE who douches or covers their genitals in talcum powder, honestly it seems like something our grandma's might have done! The court case involved a woman who was in her 60's and had used talc all her life because her mother had taught her to use it.

I think it was popular (where I live) about 30-35 years ago. I used to douche after my period - I was 18 - I used that Summer's Eve spray too and wipes! Heavens, what an idiot - but I Was 18. I stopped before I turned 21. But it was 'popular' in my circles back then.

There's quite a bit of research. Some studies show no clear link, some studies show some link, some show a marked link.

A 1971 study with a small sample of ovarian tumours found talc particles in 11 of the 13 tumours studied. (Off the top of my head).

Well aware that there's no proven link I decided that it wasn't worth the risk as I don't care about talc anyway.

I love talcum powder. I made a short film about 1001 uses for talc in Uni, covering all of the stuff mentioned here (and lots more!), and I currently have three T-shirts sitting with a dab of talc over the grease stains (messy eater, me).

I used to do the talc on the chuff thing, but haven't for years. I've not had ovarian cancer but I did require loop diathermy after an abnormal smear result.

I still used body talc, but just under boobs, buttocks and that yucky bit of hanging skin you get left with after having twins. Hate when skin "sticks".

I bought some in Barcelona last week to put in my shoes because I was getting blisters walking around so much. Talk has its uses. I don't put it on my genitals.

Fortunately I don't have any of the reasons stated on here for me to require talc on anything other than my feet and occasional armpit use - small boobs .

I only use it in my armpits to make sure they is no dampness when I want to epilate

I'm actually quite worried about this. I've been getting a persistent pain in my stomach (ovaries area) as well as other symptoms and have a scan and blood tests next week. I've been really alarmed to read this news about talc. I use it all the time after showers and before bed (not on my bits though!). I'm not usually paranoid about stuff like this but with the tests coming up.... Just really hope everything will be ok.

I use it under my boobs after a shower and have sometimes used it 'down there' too.

people put talc on their lady gardens