Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Talc

I knew that Talc was bad and should be avoided but I didnt know why. So I started to research so I could share with y'all and its even worse than I thought.....

This is from www.preventcancer.com (article)


Q. Why is talc harmful?
A. Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims. For the last 30 years, scientists have closely scrutinized talc particles and found dangerous similarities to asbestos. Responding to this evidence in 1973, the FDA drafted a resolution that would limit the amount of asbestos-like fibers in cosmetic grade talc. However, no
ruling has ever been made and today, cosmetic grade talc remains non-regulated by the federal government. This inaction ignores a 1993 National Toxicology Program report which found that cosmetic grade talc, without any asbestos-like fibers, caused tumors in animal subjects. Clearly with or without asbestos-like fibers, cosmetic grade talcum powder is a
carcinogen



Here is a more calm article from Cancer.org. This article says that since 1973 talc is required to be asbestos-free. But it also says that the most recent study found a 37% higher risk of ovarian cancer in talc users who have not had their tubes tied.


And from webMD.com


Talc is a mineral compound that is similar to asbestos; the two minerals are
often found together in geological formations. In the past, some talc powders
have been found to contain asbestos, but quality assurance programs have now
minimized this contamination. The modest association between ovarian cancer and
talc exposure found in some studies has been attributed to asbestos
contamination, Whysner says.
Cornstarch, in comparison, is a food substance
found in the corn kernel. Because of cornstarch's chemical nature, it is
biologically implausible for it to cause cancer

I cant be the only one disturbed by that information and how many thousands of women use body powder every day in their vulnerable issues. You just cant trust thats because its on the shelf its safe - you HAVE to find out for yourself!


Its best to find a powder that is cornstarch-based. I use Burts Bees talc-free body powder, even though it does have artificial fragrance. Its an easy change to make! Just do it ;)


DEFINITELY dont use regular baby powder on your babies/children!


4 comments:

Alli said...

I thought most baby powders and such were talc-free these days. The only kind I've ever seen (or bought at least) is cornstarch. In fact, in a pinch I use just plain old cornstarch from the pantry.

Rachel said...

Last time I checked all the J&J were talc-based unless it spefically said "cornstarch" on the front. And really thats the same as the Burts Bees because it has fragrance too. Plain ole' cornstarch definitely works too!

k said...

It's amazing the number of "baby" products that aren't good for baby--or anybody else. While you're at it, take a look at baby oil. If they get into it and breathe it in, it can cause chemical pneumonia which is not treatable with any kind of medicine and is generally fatal.

Rachel said...

I remember an Oprah where a mom of twins had lost one because he drank baby oil. Its not safe to put on the skin either. Its infuriating how much they intentionally deceive the public by marketing these things so strongly for babies - when they always the worst of all.