Talcum Powder Has Risks Beyond Cancer
Scientists have known for years that talc can be poisonous if inhaled or swallowed
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 - Talcum powder is the world's softest mineral and is used to absorb moisture and lessen friction. These two properties make it ideal for use as a baby powder as it solves a baby's two main problems, sitting in a wet diaper and chaffing from diaper rash. Due to concern over the possibility that Johnson's Baby Powder could be contaminated with asbestos, many mothers are concerned or have stopped using baby powder altogether. And it is not just talc's asbestos risks that one must consider. In addition, the Academy of Pediatrics warns mothers to use extreme caution when applying talcum powder to a baby as talc is "poisonous when inhaled or breathed." National talcum powder cancer lawsuits handled by top national attorneys in the US offer a no obligation and free consultation before filing a claim.
The American Academy of Pediatrics published an abstract way back in 1980 that found that there is an "Epidemic of Baby Powder Aspiration" occurring in America. "Upon reviewing our Poison Control Center Logs we were astounded to discover 40 calls to our center during the past six months, or approximately one of every 100 calls for children under the age of 5 years involved potential powder aspiration. Nine of these calls originated from emergency rooms, five from physicians' offices, and 26 from mothers at home."
If you are one of the millions of people around the world that are now avoiding using baby powder because talc may contain asbestos, you will be happy to know that you have options. There are a number of other powders that are made from safer alternatives to talc-based products that you can choose from that have the same or better properties than talc. Why would a mother use a product with such a potential for harm around their child when there are alternatives to baby powder that one should consider that are safer and work just as well?
According to Mother Nature Network, the leading alternative to talcum powder for use on a baby is cornstarch. Unlike talc which is listed as a cosmetic, cornstarch is a food item and is tested and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cornstarch has the same ability to absorb wetness and reduce friction as talc and is a byproduct of corn kernels. Mother Nature Network also lists Arrowroot starch or tapioca starch as all-natural talc alternative. Both powders are ground from tropical South American plants and the cassava plant respectively. Both of these powders are ideal for diapering babies. Next on the MNN list is sodium bicarbonate, a.k.a. baking soda. In addition to absorbing wetness and reducing chafing, baking soda absorbs odors effectively. You have had opened a box and put it in the back of your refrigerator to absorb food odors already.
Mother are urged to stop using talc-based baby powders immediately and to throw away any unused portions immediately. Make the switch to a more natural, healthier, more thoroughly tested and regulated products such as the ones listed above.
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