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.

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-controversies/cosmetics-and-toiletries#Cosmetics2

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

There might be an increased risk of cancer if you apply talcum powder directly to your genitals. The research is not yet conclusive.

There is no evidence to show a link between applying talcum powder to your feet and getting any kind of cancer.

So, 6 pages in, numerous posting about the increased risk, lack of evidence form the better studies, explanations of why, where and how talc is applied by those applying and there is still no discussion happening.

Statements: J+J are criminal if they don't change the formula and remove talc
Evidence: a moderate increase but a miniscule relative risk. So yes, it is a possible that talc does increase tour risk however "all women in the UK have a 1 in 54 chance of developing ovarian cancer so ovarian cancer is rare" ovarian.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/whats-my-risk-of-developing-ovarian-cancer/
or
"A large well-designed American study in 2000 involving nearly 80,000 women found no link between using talc and the risk of ovarian cancer. There was a possible weak link to one particular type of ovarian cancer, serous ovarian cancer, but this may have been due to chance."

"A link with serious ovarian cancer was again suggested by a study in Australia in 2008, but the small (less than one fifth) increase was only just considered to be relevant." from the ovarian cancer charity Ovacome's Factsheet 15

So there is no significant risk increase of ovarian cancer if you use talc. The fear factor comes from pre 1970s talc which had an asbestos product, which was removed, not been used since the 70s.

And as for the cries of 'no need to use it at all', please try to understand that just because you have no need there is no reason at all for the disbelieving tone... some of us do use talc and will continue to do so. Having a sweat rash isn't a sign of poor hygiene, disease or any other socially unpleasant condition. It just happens to some more than others.

Rooner your lack of understanding of scientific data borders on the criminal.

I read the beginning of this thread thinking shit I've been giving DD cancer without even realising there was a problem. Then, funnily enough come the posters linking to the actual studies and lo and behold, there's actually no major issue.

Twas ever thus on MN

I've never understood why anyone would use talcum powder unless they were going to climb some rocks, or wrestle people out of a sumo ring.

Once upon a time I worked with a man who regularly delighted in recommending we should all be talcing our bollocks every morning to help us get through the day; he absolutely swore by this practice. Needless to say, I didn't succumb to his testicle flouring fetish.

You use chalk to climb not talc.

You do use cornstarch to "re-new" a pocket pussy however.

My ddad's lung capacity is now reduced to 70%. He's on medication. He can't even walk without being out of breath. He has used J & J talcum powder instead of deodorant all his life (he's 76). His mum used it on him, then he used it himself.

My mum complains that her bathroom is always white from the stuff. He refuses to stop using it but I am so convinced that his lung issues are caused by breathing in the fine powder. He won't believe that it has anything to do with it because his GP said so. It's so sad.

Well, you learn something new everyday.

I believe talcum powder can be harmful if breathed in for extended periods of time and / or in high concentrations.

But that's true of most fine powders and dusts. Including flour, if you really want to know! www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0422763813001994

I wonder if there have been any specific studies relating to talc inhalation? Looks like there have been but they're all behind a paywall and the abstracts aren't very helpful.

He won't believe that it has anything to do with it because his GP said so. It's so sad.

That is sad. The amount of shit doctors say is awful. My DS believes her GP who said eczema is nothing to do with diet!

I'd never bothered with talc at all, but got given loads of J&J products free when I recently had my baby. Including a full sized bottle of talc (now binned). It's awful that they can advertise these products for babies, and unassuming parents may use them as the brand name is trusted.

I use my husbands hi Karate talc on my nether regions, saves having to use caneston cream every few days,

Now you see, sound. That is just not something I would ever have thought about doing, not in my whole life never, ever. I find that astounding

No, I would never use talc there either.

Dot have you read any of these links?

mersey I read the BBC article, but not the study. My sleep-addled brain cannot compute that much information. I have also read / heard a lot about J&J products since having DD. Johnson's baby oil for example is a mineral oil. The reason it 'locks moisture in' is because it completely blocks the pores keeping all toxins in as well as any moisture. I've made the decision that those products won't be used in my household - especially when there are safe alternatives.

Well, confounding an oil with a powder is your prerogative.