Talc is bad for skin because it can contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogen.
Talc and Skin Cosmetics
There is a strong connection between the known carcinogen asbestos and the mineral talc. The mineral talc is mined from the ground from talc mines that are naturally located near asbestos mines. Research discovered that talc particles often contain asbestos, due to their inherent proximity and close geographical location to each other.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act states that cosmetic products used on the skin never have to submit to testing, review, or even approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before entering the marketplace. Skin cosmetics and products that contain talc must include that ingredient on their label. However, products that consumers use on their skin that contain talc do not need to include any warnings regarding the fact that it may contain a possible carcinogen. The FDA does not take any position regarding the dangers of talc skin products.
Talc is currently used in many different products for the skin, including:
- Foundation
- Lipstick
- Concealer
- Lotion
- Blush
- Mascara
- Moisturizing cream
- Face masks
- Eyeliner
- Eye shadow
- Face powders
If talc does contain asbestos, then talc is bad for skin due to the very nature that it contains a known carcinogen.
Talc and Genital Use
Talc is also used on other parts of the body other than for cosmetic reasons. The International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology indicated that the use of talc by women in the genital area increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) refutes this claim, but many women have discovered that they developed ovarian cancer after using talc products in the genital region for years. In fact, currently, thousands of victims suffering from ovarian cancer have lawsuits filed against talcum powder manufacturers for their failure to reveal that their talc products could have possibly also contained the carcinogen asbestos.
Juries have agreed with victims and required talc manufacturers to pay millions of dollars in damages as a result of their failure to disclose the fact that their products could have actually contained the carcinogen asbestos.
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Talc and Babies
Johnson & Johnson baby powder is an iconic product that most people think of when they think of nurseries. This baby powder made of talc is meant to eliminate diaper rash and moisture absorption in diapers of infants. For over a century, parents have used talcum powders on their babies without any hesitation or concern. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics has now recommended that parents never use any type of talcum powder product on a baby, as talc might contain asbestos, and may pose respiratory challenges.
Alternatives to Talc for Skin
Many consumers now look to other options for moisture absorption instead of using products that contain talc. There are many products that are talc-free and will still provide similar moisture-absorbing or anti-chafing properties that consumers originally sought from talc-containing products.
Some of the alternatives to talc for skin include:
- Cornstarch
- Baking soda
- Tapioca starch
- Kaolin clay
- Arrowroot starch
- Rice starch
- Oat flour blends
Using these products as moisture-absorbing alternatives is relatively new, and some of these alternatives may have their own dangers. Therefore, always use caution and research each type of alternative prudently before making the decision to place these products on your skin.
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What to Do if You Develop Cancer After Using Talc
If you develop any kind of mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or another type of serious or life-threatening medical condition following your use of talc over a long period of time, you should consider whether or not your use of talc-containing products contributed to the development of your cancer.
No matter how you actually developed mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, the medical treatments will be similar and include possible surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and possible immunotherapy. Always follow the direction of your surgeon or medical provider regarding any medical condition you develop.
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Learn How We Can Help
If you developed mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after using talc for a substantial period of time, learn how an attorney can help you understand your legal rights and how you may have the basis to file a claim against a talcum manufacturer. Consider calling our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099. We want to help advise you about the specific circumstances of your case and help you with your next steps.
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