Asbestos is an ingredient found in baby powder and can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed by infants. Despite the label warnings to keep the product away from the face of children, babies may still inadvertently ingest it.
What is the cancer causing ingredient in baby powder?
Talcum powder is naturally absorbent, so it’s most often found in products that help keep the skin dry, such as baby powder or face makeup. In its natural state, talc is often found in close proximity with asbestos , a hazardous substance that’s known to cause inflammation and lung cancer.
Is it safe to use Johnson baby powder?
JOHNSON’S® Baby Powder, made from cosmetic talc, has been a staple of baby care rituals and adult skin care and makeup routines worldwide for over a century. ... Today, talc is accepted as safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products throughout the world .
Is baby powder poisonous to humans?
Breathing in talcum powder can lead to very serious lung problems , even death. Use caution when using talcum powder on babies. Talc-free baby powder products are available. Workers who have regularly breathed in talcum powder over long periods of time have developed serious lung damage and cancer.
What is a safe alternative to baby powder?
Cornstarch is the most widely used alternative to talcum powder. You can find this in the bakery isle of grocery stores, in drugstores, online and at other general merchandise stores like Target or Walmart. Commercial cornstarch blends are also available.
Does cornstarch powder cause cancer?
Cornstarch is an organic carbohydrate that is quickly broken down by the body with no known adverse health effects. Cornstarch powders have been sold and marketed for the same uses and nearly the same effectiveness as talcum powder, but without the risk of cancer .
What kind of cancer does talc cause?
Talc, a mineral often used in cosmetic and personal care products, has been linked to ovarian and uterine cancer and mesothelioma .
Why was Johnson’s baby powder banned?
Johnson & Johnson said it stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in May 2020, citing reduced demand “fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising .”
What are the side effects of Johnson’s baby powder?
- Respiratory problems in infants. Talcum powder is made up of small particles that can be inhaled and cause lung irritation. ...
- General respiratory problems. ...
- Asthma and pneumonia. ...
- Lung cancer and chronic respiratory problems. ...
- Endometrial cancer. ...
- Ovarian cancer.
Which powder is safe to use?
Talcum powder is considered so safe that it’s most commonly known as baby powder. Millions of parents still shake it into their child’s diaper today, and it’s been popular for over a hundred years. It’s also marketed to women for feminine hygiene use in order to stay clean, dry, and smelling fresh all day.
Do parents still use baby powder?
Is it safe to use baby powder on babies? Contrary to its label, pediatricians advise parents not to use baby powder – whether it’s made with talc or not – for children and infants. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends against using baby powder, period.
Is baby powder safe for private parts?
Women should not use products containing the naturally occurring mineral – like baby powder, genital antiperspirants and deodorants, body wipes, and bath bombs – on their genitals, according to a new report by Health Canada, the country’s governmental health body.
Does Gold Bond have talc?
Gold Bond Medicated Powder contains talc , which is always found in the ground near another mineral, asbestos. As a result, many talc particles contain asbestos. Therefore, Gold Bond talc may contain asbestos as well.
Is it OK to use cornstarch baby powder?
Since cornstarch is made with a food substance instead of a mineral, cornstarch powders don’t contain talc. Cornstarch, like talcum powder, can cause respiratory problems even in small amounts. ... If you do decide to use cornstarch powder be sure to keep it away from the infant’s face , as well as your own.
Why is baby powder not recommended?
The American Pediatric Association recommends against using baby powder, initially over concerns that talc, which was used in some products but has been largely phased out, could be inhaled and harm babies’ lungs .
Can I use cornstarch in place of baby powder?
Cornstarch contains larger particles, so it has been considered to be a safer form of baby powder compared to talc. However, cornstarch could still cause respiratory problems if inhaled in large quantities. ... Cornstarch is viewed by some as a safer alternative and talcum powder should be avoided.
