
In the wake of the recent
Reuters investigative report finding Johnson & Johnson knew about asbestos in its talc products
for decades, the popular women’s health, beauty and style publication,
SELF, examined the health risks currently posed by talc products.
The article notes that, talc was not considered to be dangerous but that
could change if it’s contaminated with asbestos. “If asbestos
has remained in talcum powder in recent decades, this could provide an
alternative mechanism for carcinogenesis.” The article recognizes
the limited amount of studies to date addressing the link between talc
and ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, and notes that FDA is now looking
into the matter. “The FDA takes the possible presence of asbestos
in cosmetics very seriously. The FDA will investigate reports related
to the presence of asbestos in talcum powder and take appropriate actions
to protect consumers,” the agency told SELF.
The article concludes by posing the question: “So, how worried should
you be?” and the response: “For now, if you have concerns
about talcum powder, simply don’t use it,” noting that, “the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends
against the use of talcum powder in the vaginal area,” and “…the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages use of baby powder, noting
that ‘If inhaled, talcum-containing powders can cause severe lung
damage and breathing problems in babies.’ Although the AAP doesn’t
address inhalational risks of caregivers diapering babies, it seems like
an unnecessary risk when diaper cream can be used instead of powder, and
products containing cornstarch can be used in lieu of talcum powder.”
Read the full article
here.