Gransnet forums

Health

Talcum Powder scare

(43 Posts)
honeypot43 Fri 28-Oct-16 10:13:10

Just heard about Johnsons Baby Powder big pay out in America as it apparently caused ovarian cancer. But also just heard on Radio 5 an expert saying the risk is so small we shouldn't worry. The American said zinc powder is safe, but on line one site said no difference. I love talcum powder but now not so sure, what do you think?

tanith Fri 28-Oct-16 10:22:43

I stopped using Talc when my children were small as there was talk of it being dangerous even then and it was something I could cut out without any hardship. I only used it on the children for a short while and never could see the benefits apart from making an awful mess.

Jayh Fri 28-Oct-16 10:47:46

This scare was around when my daughter, now 37, was born and I didn't use it then. It wasn't part of my granddaughter's kit and I don't think talc is used very much these days.

silverlining48 Fri 28-Oct-16 10:49:54

talc is brilliant for removing wet sand after a day at the beach. i always take it with me now. puff puff, instant dry sandfree feet.

Aurelia Fri 28-Oct-16 11:53:54

I've not used talc for many years, I use Burt's Bees talc free now.

Luckygirl Fri 28-Oct-16 12:06:24

Never used talc, especially around babies - the particles are so tiny that they lodge in their lungs.

goldengirl Fri 28-Oct-16 12:06:26

I've been used Johnson's talc for donkeys years and love it but I also like Burts Bees products so I'm thinking I might seek out their non talc 'talc'; I didn't know they did one.

nanaK54 Fri 28-Oct-16 12:13:01

Have long been aware of the potential cancer link, so have not used talc for years.
On the flip side my DM used it daily and died last year aged 93

Wobblybits Fri 28-Oct-16 12:28:18

Use it regularly, just bought one. But, I am aware that women are at a greater risk, how much, who knows. I think I would be more concerned with zinc powder.

Falconbird Fri 28-Oct-16 12:37:23

I've used Johnson's Baby Powder for years and at nearly 70 so far so good. My dh who didn't like strong perfumes liked the smell of it.

When I was a teenager working in an office all six of us girls used talc liberally. It wasn't Johnsons' but something called Dream Flower if I remember correctly.

Alima Fri 28-Oct-16 12:42:10

We stopped using talc well before we had heard of the possible adverse health effects. The bathroom always seemed to be covered in dust. Took ages to get used to not slapping it on after a bath though.

hummingbird Fri 28-Oct-16 13:00:33

I always sprinkle I tiny bit in my shoes if I'm going sockless!

Tegan Fri 28-Oct-16 13:32:30

I use it on my feet; good for preventing blisters and [as has been said] to dry feet after being on the beach. Feet seem to be impossible to get dry without the stuff. Seem to remember using it all the time when I was young.

shysal Fri 28-Oct-16 13:37:36

The only use I have for talc these days is at Hallowe'en when I rub it over a pumpkin to show the pricked-out picture for carving!
I used to examine cervical smears as part of my job and talc crystals were often seen on the slides, so I am aware that they could easily make their way from the cervix to the ovaries to cause problems.

Christinefrance Fri 28-Oct-16 13:47:32

Yes I heard of the cancer risk many years ago so stopped using it, love the smell of baby powder though.

BlueBelle Fri 28-Oct-16 13:49:30

I stopped using talc when my kids were small and they re all in their middle to late 40 now I don't think I ve every bought any since

honeypot43 Fri 28-Oct-16 16:06:20

Have decided to try Boots Femfresh talc free powder, sounds good as I do love the feeling of talc

Jalima Fri 28-Oct-16 16:10:11

My DM used to use talc (on herself) liberally; she never got cancer and lived to 84.
However, I have heard of the risks and , although I still use Cuticura tal, it is very sparingly and not in delicate areas.

Thanks for the tip about Burt's Bees Powder, I may switch to that goldengirl

Interesting, shysal, I wonder if they did any research then on the link between talc and cervical cancer?

Ana Fri 28-Oct-16 16:13:48

Seems strange to me how the odd outer dusting of talc could work its way up to the cervix, never mind beyond!

PRINTMISS Fri 28-Oct-16 16:17:47

The longer I live, the more I discover about the sort of things I should not (or never have) done, I am increasingly amazed I have managed to survive for so long.

Jalima Fri 28-Oct-16 16:18:18

um, unless .....

Oh no, perish the thought.

Ana Fri 28-Oct-16 16:22:29

shock!! But you could be right, Jalima. Maybe the message should have been aimed in another direction...

Wobblybits Fri 28-Oct-16 16:34:53

I thought the danger was men or women using it prior to intercourse, which could introduce into the cervix.

Jalima Fri 28-Oct-16 16:40:30

Thank you Wb for voicing my thoughts

Condom manufacturers used to use talcum powder in their manufacture, but I think this has been banned in the EU anyway for some time.

However, cancer may take some time to develop, so condoms or diaphragms could have been a source of talc.

Greyduster Fri 28-Oct-16 16:41:38

I use Cuticura, but only under my boobs after a shower! Never below the waist since I became aware of the health issues, some time ago now. I used to love my babies smelling of Johnsons, but I never used it on GS, and neither did his mum.