Does Talcum Powder Cause Cancer? The answer is unequivocally YES and I will explain in this article what talcum or talc is, how it is produced and the medical research linking the talc powder to both ovarian cancer and mesothelioma and lung cancer.
What is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder, often simply called talc, is a finely ground mineral that is used in personal care products, cosmetics, and some industrial applications. Its primary component is talc, a clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. Talc is known for its softness, moisture-absorption capabilities, and ability to reduce friction, which is why it’s commonly found in baby powder, body powders, and various cosmetic products to absorb moisture and minimize chafing.
However, the use of talcum powder has been scrutinized due to health concerns. Specifically, there have been concerns about its link to cancer. When talc is mined, it can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Inhalation of asbestos-contaminated talc can lead to lung cancer, and there have been worries and legal cases suggesting that long-term genital use of talcum powder to be linked to ovarian cancer. This has led to a significant amount of litigation, with some juries awarding large verdicts to plaintiffs who claimed that their cancer was caused by the use of talcum powder. Continue reading