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Original poster

Why do some parents still use Talc?

112 replies

Daisyv2 · 09/12/2021 12:17

Tests of talc products, including Johnson & Johnson's popular baby powder, have revealed they can contain asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can be caused by talcum powder contaminated with asbestos. www.asbestos.com/products/talcum-powder/

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44816805

It's not hard to dry your baby with a towel. Hmm

I don't want to breathe in your carcinogen or for my baby to breathe it in either Angry

  • * [Title edited by MNHQ] **
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ArblemarchTFruitbat · 09/12/2021 12:18

Surely if it was that dangerous it would have been taken off the shelves?

IsolaPribby · 09/12/2021 12:18

Surely they should stop selling the stuff?

Shedmistress · 09/12/2021 12:19

I knew this about 20 years ago. I thought they changed over to cornflour years back?

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Coughee · 09/12/2021 12:21

Well the BBC article seems to suggest the link between talc and cancer is far from proven. So I suppose they aren't convinced by it.

dementedpixie · 09/12/2021 12:23

You get talc free powder.
Cancer Research UK says there isn't enough evidence to show a link

Does talcum powder cause cancer?

Some studies have looked at a possible link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. But there isn’t enough good evidence to say that talcum powder causes ovarian cancer.

Some studies have suggested a possible increase in risk of ovarian cancer in women who use talc on their genitals, but the evidence isn’t clear. More research in bigger, higher-quality studies is needed to confirm if there’s a link.

Even if there was an increased risk from talcum powder, it would likely be smaller than known causes of ovarian cancer, likeage,family history, andsmoking.

Branleuse · 09/12/2021 12:23

I like the smell. I dont use it loads but its got quite a few uses.
I have never known anybody to get cancer from talc. I have read it on the internet but thats it

dementedpixie · 09/12/2021 12:23

There is more of a risk of choking with powder than cancer I imagine

ReeseWitherfork · 09/12/2021 12:25

I have never known anybody to get cancer from talc.
Cancers aren't usually traced back to a source though?! I don't think you should stop using it if you want to though.

Original poster
Daisyv2 · 09/12/2021 12:26

I think if Johnson & Johnson's baby powder paid out $4.75 billion it's pretty clear there's a link. @Coughee

OP posts:
Original poster
Daisyv2 · 09/12/2021 12:27

I just couldn't live with the possibility of giving my baby cancer or myself for that matter just for a few seconds of convenience!

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 09/12/2021 12:30

@Daisyv2

I think if Johnson & Johnson's baby powder paid out $4.75 billion it's pretty clear there's a link. *@Coughee*
They were ordered to pay it and were appealing against it. There isn't proof of a link
dementedpixie · 09/12/2021 12:30

@Daisyv2

I just couldn't live with the possibility of giving my baby cancer or myself for that matter just for a few seconds of convenience!
Use a talc free version then. No need for so much angst
Original poster
Daisyv2 · 09/12/2021 12:31

I think they should ban talc @dementedpixie

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 09/12/2021 12:32

Huh ?

Red meat causes cancer - billions of folk still eating that

1940s · 09/12/2021 12:34

I hope you're also avoiding all class one carcinogens including red meat products...

Thegreencup · 09/12/2021 12:35

@dementedpixie

There is more of a risk of choking with powder than cancer I imagine
I always thought this too.

Anyway. People still eat red meat, smoke, drink coffee and alcohol and consume lots of other things that are proven to be carcinogenic. So, talc is one more thing to add to the list I suppose.

ReeseWitherfork · 09/12/2021 12:35

Isn't alcohol also on that list?

Thegreencup · 09/12/2021 12:36

Just don't use talc then OP? I didn't (because it's horrible and gets up my nose and sets off my allergies).

BigWoollyJumpers · 09/12/2021 12:39

This is a really old article, and refers for people who used talc 20 or 30 years ago, which DID in some cases contain asbestos. Modern talc does not contain asbestos.

Also, the litigation and subsequent compensation in the US, is a standard method of getting rid of historical claims. It is actually cheaper to pay people off, then to carry on with legal cases.

4pmwinetimebebeh · 09/12/2021 12:39

I'm not an anxious person at all but I agree OP. There is literally no need to use talc on your baby and given the possible risk its not worth it. If it was something like calpol where there is a clear benefit to the child you would do a risk/benefit analysis but I can honestly say there has never been 1 time ever I have 'needed' to use talcum powder on a baby or myself.

CheesyFootballsAreEvil · 09/12/2021 12:41

Because they still sell it so people assume it is safe

ArblemarchTFruitbat · 09/12/2021 12:41

Perhaps they should start putting gruesome 'health warning' pictures on talc bottles, like they do with tobacco.

Original poster
Daisyv2 · 09/12/2021 12:41

@4pmwinetimebebeh thank you!

OP posts:
RB68 · 09/12/2021 12:42

they still sell cigarettes and alcohol ...