Baby powder – or talcum powder – has been considered a staple in the nursery for many years. New parents may use baby powder to keep their child dry and rash free between diaper changes. However, increasing concerns about the health effects of talc may draw you up short.
Considering the alleged connection between talcum powder and several forms of cancer, it’s natural to ask: how do you know if your baby powder is safe? Review options for assessing the safety of baby powder with this article.
Baby Powder May Never Be Recommended for Infants
First of all, it’s important to consider the fact that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using baby powder around infants. When discussing how to make a baby’s room safe, the Academy advises you not to use talcum powder at all around an infant.
Note that this recommendation is not tied directly to the possible connection between talc and the development of cancer. Instead, the Academy warns against using talcum powder around infants because the powder could be inhaled.
Inhaling talcum powder may cause children to cough, wheeze, or choke. The fine particles in talcum powder may cause lung damage in some severe cases. Infants may even face talc pneumoconiosis, which can be deadly. It is, therefore, advised that you avoid all uses of this powder around young children. Instead, you may wish to use alternatives, such as:
- Cornstarch
- Oil-based lotions
- Creams
Adjusting the usage of baby powder in the nursery may help protect your child’s health. Note that some baby powders are now made without talc. They may use cornstarch instead. These powders may be acceptable for use, but you may wish to speak directly with your pediatrician to determine the proper usage.
Possible Safe Usage of Baby Powder as an Adult
Baby powder is not only used on infants. Many adults use baby powder to reduce moisture on their skin. However, there are major health concerns regarding the use of talcum powder, especially around the genital areas. In fact, many people believe there is a connection between talcum powder usage and ovarian cancer.
For decades, there have been concerns that using talc could increase the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 30%. Currently, there are a number of legal cases being brought against talcum powder manufacturers, such as Johnson & Johnson.
Using baby powder that does not contain talc may reduce the odds of developing ovarian cancer. Most containers of baby powder will state whether or not they contain talc. This may allow you to make purchasing decisions that make you feel comfortable.
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Risk Factors Associated with the Ingredient Talc
Talc remains a common ingredient in many types of baby powder. You may wonder what makes talc a risk to your health or the health of your infant child. There are a number of concerns associated with talc usage. These issues relate to:
The Size of Talc Particles
Particles of talc are very small. This makes them easy to inhale. Once they are inhaled by an infant, they may travel to their lungs. Inhaling these small particles may be very damaging. Larger products found in cornstarch may not be as dangerous.
The Presence of Asbestos
Talc is a mineral that is often found close to asbestos. When removing talc from the ground, it may be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos is a substance known to increase the risks that you will develop cancer. There have been recalls for talc products over concerns of asbestos contamination in recent years, and the American Cancer Society has considered a link between talc and cancer.
Legal Options if You Used Unsafe Baby Powder
You may be wondering about your options moving forward if you believe you used an unsafe container of baby powder. You may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer of the baby powder in some cases. Many people have won settlements or verdicts against companies like Johnson & Johnson in recent years.
There have even been class-action lawsuits against major talcum powder manufacturers. However, successfully resolving one of these cases may require you to demonstrate that the baby powder directly led to your medical condition.
If you demonstrate that your health condition was caused by the use of baby powder, you may be able to secure compensation for your losses. This may include coverage for your medical expenses, lost wages at work, and more.
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Contact a Lawyer If You Are Concerned About Baby Powder Safety
How do you know if your baby powder is safe? You may be able to check the bottle to find out if it contains talc or not. However, in some situations baby powder may never be completely “safe.” If you sustained an injury after using baby powder, you may be able to build a legal claim to get compensation. Find out more by contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
Speak with a member of our team now by completing our online contact form or calling (800) 794-0444.
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