Talcum Powder Cancer: Can Talcum Powder Really Become the Cause of Cancer?

Talcum Powder Cancer: Talcum Powder is nothing but talc which a mineral is taken out from the earth. The use of this powder has been for long mainly due to its properties of absorbing moisture, cosmetics, reducing friction and more.


telcum powder

It's extensively used in baby powder, eye shadow and many other products. Now, it has become a point of debate in the recent past, especially weather it has any sort of  carcinogenic properties. Research is also going o to check if it contains asbestos which is a well known toxin.


Also Read: What Does Asbestos Look Like: Common Asbestos Related Queries

 

Is There Any Link Between Asbestos and Talc?

First take a look what asbestos is all about. Well, Asbestos is basically a group of naturally occurring minerals which is often named sometimes as talc. There are times when you find asbestos mixed with talc after it is well mined and processed.

As far as asbestos is concerned, it's a well proven fact that the mineral is the major cause of lung cancer among those who are exposed to it for long. This is the reason why cosmetics companies need to choose mining sites with caution.

Not only that, they also need to cross check their composition, especially the presence of asbestos in it. 

It all happened in the year 1976 when a major cosmetic trade group issued guidelines that stated that all US cosmetic products should not have the presence of even the detectable amount of asbestos in them.


Also Check:


When is Asbestos Dangerous? What's Asbestos Exposure Law?

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Top 2 Reasons of Development of Asbestos Cancer

Can You Get Mesothelioma Without Asbestos Exposure?


 

Is There Any Cancer Connection?

While checking for any risks of developing cancers, it's becomes crucial to separate talc from asbestos. It's quite obvious that those who breathe in talc containing asbestos in it are likely to develop the disease. It happens if they do this regularly.

But there are concerns of talc without the presence of asbestos that can even be more complex. Take a look at what most researches have to say in this regard.

 
Can you get lung cancer if you regularly breathe in talcum powder?

Well, the answer is a clear "no" for most of the people. It's because there is no evidence that you are going to develop lung cancer if you tend to use baby telcum powder or any other type of cosmetic telcum powder which can be easy to breathe in.

The main cause to developing the disease in those who are involved in talc processing and mining. But the clear cause of developing lung cancer is not known.


Also Read: Can You Get Mesothelioma Without Asbestos Exposure


 

Can women get ovarian cancer from regular use of talcum powder on their genitals?

As per a study conducted in this regard, there is no evidence or significant risk involved in women who tend to use talcum powder on their genitals and become the victim of ovarian cancer.

In the past, several companies who are known to make talc-based powder have undergone hundreds of lawsuits related to their products. The latest is Johnson & Johnson which has now stopped selling talc-based baby powder in 2020.


Also Check:


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Talcum Powder Cancer: Can Talcum Powder Really Become the Cause of Cancer?


Other Related Cancers

Till date, scientists and researchers have not found direct link connecting talc with other types of cancers.

As per one study, it showed a slight risk of developing uterine cancer in women who have achieved menopause and use telcum powder quite extensively. But the studies found afterwards failed to reveal anything in this regard.

There were some other studies conducted in this regard that simply show the presence of stomach cancer. But again, there is no direct evidence. More study is required to be done in this regard to come to any conclusion.

Well, f you are concerned with any such risk of developing cancer due to the exposure of asbestos or related products like talc or telcum powder, you need to consult with your doctor.


Also Read: Asbestos Insulation: Types, Manufacturers & Brands




Reference(s):

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/talcum-powder-cancer


 

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