Earlier this year, a jury in Minnesota helped award $72 million to the family of a women who died of ovarian cancer. The women used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder for over 35 years. The defense team argued that talcum powder is linked to ovarian cancer. The jury found that J&J failed to warn consumers about the cancer risk. They also found that J&J knew about the risk since the 80's and did nothing about it.
Talc is a clay mineral that is finely ground into a powder form. It's typically bleached and perfumed to form talcum powder. J&J's signature, and most widely used product, is talcum powder they call Baby Powder. It's used to treat diaper rash and as a deodorizer.
The American Cancer Society states "there is some suggestion of a possible increase in ovarian cancer risk" when using talcum powder. Ovarian cancer is not the only health risk. Inhaling the powder can lead to inflammation of the airways, pneumonia, and even death in infants. The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends not using talc on babies.
Whether or not talcum powder causes cancer, why take the risk? There are safer alternatives for babies, women, and even men!
Babies
Nature's Baby Organics - Silky Dusting Powder
California Baby - Calming Organic Powder
Women
NutriBiotic - Natural Body & Foot Powder
Farmaesthetics - High Cotton Body Dust
Men
Jack Black - Dry Down Friction-Free Powder
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