Is Baby Powder Dangerous?
Recently, a controversy about the use of baby powder has emerged throughout the world. The baby powder product’s link to ovarian cancer was brought to the attention of many individuals — including long-time users of the product. Among the concerned were many parents whom were worried about the product’s level of safety in babies and toddlers. Is baby powder safe? As of this writing, there are no scientific studies that definitively prove that baby powder causes cancer, although some studies strongly suggest that it may raise a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer. Further into this article the correlation between ovarian cancer and baby powder will be explored.
What is Baby Powder?
Baby powder is made of a very soft mineral called talc, hence the name talcum powder. Such is mined from the Earth like many other minerals. While Talc is one of the softest minerals in the world, such can be easily pulverized into extremely small particles — resulting in a very soft, smooth powder useful for all sorts of things like:
• Foods such as chewing gum and candy
• A polish for white rice
• In face makeup and powders; and
• As a drying agent in deodorants and antiperspirants
Talcum can also be found in medicines used to treat lung cancer as well as cystic fibrosis patients. Since Talc has been historically known to be used in body care and other things since ancient times, its no wonder many women around the world are unaware of the powder’s potential risks. In 1893, Johnson&Johnson introduced their now-famous (and controversial) product, Johnson’s Baby Powder.
Talc and Asbestos
Since Talc is a mineral mined from within our very own Earth, in its natural form, such can contain a mineral known as Asbestos, a well-known Carcinogen and a cause of a lung cancer known as Mesothelioma. Unfortunately, Talc and Asbestos are minerals that are commonly found close with one another. Therefore, Asbestos dust and traces of such may be found in Talcum-infused products. While consumer talc-containing products shouldn’t contain any at all, baby powder is almost purely full of Talc.
Making the Connection
Nevertheless, some researchers, in some studies published in The Lancet, note that there is a strong correlation between ovarian cancer and baby powder used in the female genital region. Furthermore, such details that the use of baby powder can raise a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by as much as a quarter. This is based on the fact that particles of talc have been found in ovarian cancer tumors. These same studies found no correlation between baby powder and cancer when the product wasn’t used on the genital area.
Some women have used a product liability attorney to seek justice against monstrous baby powder manufacturers — prevailing against them and winning settlements in return for their Ovarian cancer suffering.
Is Baby Powder Safe to Use on Babies?
Probably not. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, a well-known physician and wellness expert, baby powder isn’t safe for use on infants. The medical expert advises using cornstarch, instead. Dr. Weil, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, advises against using baby powder on infants and toddlers. The concern isn’t about cancer, though. It’s about the fact that the talcum particles are fine enough to float on the air and get into the baby’s lungs, drying the mucous membranes, causing lung damage and breathing difficulties.
Cornstarch Substitution
Use of baby powder in infants has also led to wheezing, obstruction of the airways, pneumonia, and even death. Use of Cornstarch is safer (and highly recommended as a substitute) as its particles are much larger and do not enter the lungs nearly as easily.
Defending Your Interests
If you, or someone you love, was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer after using Johnson’s baby powder for years, give us a call. Unlike these monstrous companies, our firm is here to help. You may be able to obtain a settlement for your suffering. Contact us today for your no cost case evaluation.
A no cost case evaluation with a licensed and reputable Product Liability Attorney regarding your unique situation is available by calling:
888-529-3111 , 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
— Jack Ter-Saakyan, Esq.
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