Baby Powder linked to Cancer??

So soft and gentle for both women and babies. I have used it for years and it always seemed so "pure and gentle", never a skin irritant in sight. 

Photo: The Kansas City Star,2/25/2016

What a shock to find out recently that is has been linked to ovarian cancer and law suits against Johnson & Johnson are becoming increasingly more prevalent.
My ears perked up when I first heard about this because I have used baby powder since I was a teenager. Especially during the summer months when skin can get so clammy and sticky.  I never thought for a minute that it could be harmful. After all it is marketed to be used on the soft, sensitive skin of babies. For crying out loud...one would think it would be safe for adults.

Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral made up of magnesium, silicon and oxygen.  Since talc is mined, problems have occurred because in its natural state, talc can contain asbestos. The good news is that according to the American Cancer Society "All talcum products used in homes in the United States have been asbestos -free since the 1970's ." Well, good news, but what about consumer use prior to that time?  Several of the lawsuits that have been filed are by older women that contracted ovarian cancer from use of the product for "decades". Of course it is a terrible tragedy when someone contracts cancer, but establishing an exact connection is problematic. In examining the lawsuits, there is a correlation with frequency of use and methods of use.  It has been suggested that direct application to the genital area may cause particles to travel into the body and ultimately cause ovarian cancer.  The possibility of problems are there, I don't deny that. Yet, could many future problems (i.e. development of cancer) be remedied by Johnson & Johnson by instructing consumers about misuse, overuse of the product and the inherent dangers of such.  I know any consumer product does not want to label itself as dangerous, but if it would help to keep consumers educated and healthy. In turn it would help alleviate the marketing nightmare that this must be for that company. To really restore consumer confidence, I think they have to admit that there may be a link and help consumers take steps to avoid problems. I believe an educated consumer is more likely to use a product if they know risks and how to properly use a product.

So legally, two major decisions regarding this issue have been brought to light.  In February of 2016, a Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay  $72 million for a cancer death linked to "decades of use" of their talcum powder.  Then a second lawsuit in May of 2016, a woman was awarded $55 million for contracting ovarian cancer allegedly linked to use of talcum powder. According to recent news reports, Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the second lawsuit from May.  Johnson & Johnson is reportedly facing more than 1,2000 suits related to talcum powder usage.


Another type of cancer that has been suggested to be linked to talc is lung cancer. This particular link to talc is even less common than the ovarian cancer link. Some studies of talc miners show an increased risk of lung cancers, but in that particular profession they are exposed to many different types of minerals that could be even more toxic than talc. Again, it is hard to make the connection.

1965 Ad

 Johnson & Johnson introduced their baby powder in 1894 and marketing it as made of 99.8% talc.  Originally marketed for baby care, it eventually become commonly used by adults, as evidence by this ad. I remember starting to use Johnson & Johnson's Baby powder as a teenager. It was so light and fragrance free, it never conflicted with my cologne. Also helped to keep skin dry and prevent rashes. So I will continue to try to be an informed consumer and make the best choices for my good health.

I am really not much of a gambler, but I think on this one the odds are in my favor.  I am going to continue to use Johnson's Baby Powder, albeit perhaps a little more sparingly. As with so many things in life moderation is the key. Be informed and be safe.  JES

A Writer's Lament

All I feel is darkness in my soul and knurled branches twisting and causing pain.  I write and write but no one reads the words I have written, they bleed on the page and are lost and absorbed  into oblivion .  I speak and no one really hears me and responds. Perhaps what I have to say is not worth saying….I am lost.

 I have hopes and dreams…hopes that keep me going and help me to rise in the morning each day.  Hope helps me cling to this crazy life and helps me to put one foot in front of the other.  I need a way of pulling myself from despair. I used to think it was my writing, but I guess now I have my doubts……I feel like no one really cares to read my work.

Lord….help me find my way…..