Talcum powder that many Americans use comes from talc. Magnesium, oxygen, and silicon comprise the major elements of this mineral. Some forms of natural talc contain asbestos. This substance can cause lung cancer because of inhalation. As a result, companies have been manufacturing asbestos-free talcum products since the 1970s.
Talc originates from rock deposits mined like other essential minerals in different parts of the world. Manufacturers use only high-grade talc that meets purity standards for body powder. Talcum absorbs moisture effectively helping reduce friction. Consumers find it helpful to keep the skin dry and prevent rashes. This mineral has become a popular ingredient in adult, baby, and facial powders as well as other consumer goods.
After mining, workers pulverize and sort out the mineral before prescribing a specific grade. Talc ore is milled to become powder, examined for particle size, and verified for purity. In 1976, the Personal Care Products Council developed a testing process to detect the presence of harmful asbestos silica minerals. The Food and Drug Administration accepted and still uses this method until the present time.
Possible Links with Cancer
Researches have focused on talcum powder’s probable connection to cancer. Studies tried to find out if individuals with prolonged exposure to talc particles in a working environment have greater risks of lung cancer. Or, are women who use talcum powder in areas surrounding the genitals prone to ovarian cancer?
Regardless of cancer risks, the key for consumers is to differentiate between talc that contains asbestos and one without. Online articles and journals state that scientific experts rely on two kinds of studies in determining whether a substance or exposure has the capacity to cause cancer.
- The first is through laboratory experiments with animals as subjects. These are exposed to high doses of the chemical to discover if it produces tumors or other disorders. Some researchers uncover normal cells to the substance and check if it generates changes identified in cancer cells.
- The second is by means of studies in human beings. Such studies compare cancer rate in a group of respondents exposed to the substance versus another group without any exposure at all. Sometimes, this is compared to the anticipated cancer ratio in the general populace.
The downside is both approaches do not provide enough proof by itself. Researchers must consider laboratory-based as well as human studies in finding out it compounds can cause cancers.
Cancer of the Ovary
There have been claims that talcum powder might set off ovary cancer. This happens once powder flakes applied near the sexual organs of women or in diaphragms and sanitary napkins transfer to the vagina, womb, and fallopian tubes leading to the ovaries. Some case-control studies discovered minimal to moderate increase in risks while others did not find any dangers that should alarm consumers.
Cancer of the Lungs
Certain studies involving miners and millers showed a probable increased risks of lung cancer along with other respiratory ailments. The talc in question is unpurified compared to disinfected or sanitized talc found in talcum powder. One of the minerals workers could be exposed to is called radon, a radioactive form of odorless and colorless gas. No amplified risks of lung cancer have been reported as of late with cosmetic talcum brands.
Position of Specialized Organizations
Various national (USA) as well as global institutions study chemicals or substances in the environment to establish if these can cause cancer. The American Cancer Society considers the perspective and findings of such organizations in evaluating risks based on data from laboratory, animal, and human research.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorizes talc with asbestos as “carcinogenic to human beings.” Nonetheless, it states inhaled talc that does not contain the silica mineral as not identifiable with regards to being carcinogenic in people. On the other hand, the IARC classifies genital use of talcum baby powder as probably carcinogenic to human beings. The United States National Toxicology Program has not conducted a complete assessment of talc(with or without asbestos) as likely carcinogen.
Exposure to Talcum Powder
It has not been established scientifically until now if products that contain talcum powder promote cancer risks. Consumers have the choice of staying away or limiting the use of said products for their safety and well-being.
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