{"id":3543,"date":"2019-01-31T23:54:28","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T23:54:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3543"},"modified":"2021-03-25T16:33:00","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T16:33:00","slug":"10-hidden-threats-of-talcum-powder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-hidden-threats-of-talcum-powder\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Hidden Threats of Talcum Powder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When it comes to talcum powder, most people think that it is quite innocent. However, since the 1960s, scientists have been issuing warnings about the potential risks of using it. This mineral-based product is found in baby powder as well as other types of cosmetics. Health studies have shown a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is still often used by people to promote freshness and absorb moisture. It is also still popular among parents as a way to prevent diaper rash in infants. Reports are quite clear, talcum powder should not be used on your skin. Inhaling these products can also be problematic. There are several natural alternatives that are safer and just as effective as using talcum powder on the body and should be chosen instead. Let\u2019s take a closer look at some of the hidden threats of using talcum powder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Ovarian Cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There have been several studies conducted that show that there is a link between using talcum powder and developing ovarian cancer. When a woman uses baby powder or any type of product that contains talc in the genital area, the particles can travel up the vagina and into the fallopian tubes and the uterus <\/a>and into the ovaries. In 1971, the first study conducted showed that talc particles were found in uterine tumors and ovarian tumors. In 1982, another study linked the use of talc with ovarian cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since that time, there have been many other studies that show a strong link between developing ovarian cancer and the use of talc. In 2016, researchers examined the use of talc among over 2000 women who had ovarian cancer. The study showed that using talc in the genital area increased the risk of ovarian cancer by 33 percent. For these reasons, it is best to avoid using talcum powder in the genital area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Lung Cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Simply inhaling talcum powder is not necessarily directly related to developing lung cancer. However, there have been several studies that show that there is an increased risk for developing respiratory diseases as well as lung cancer among millers and miners of talk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The likely reason for this is because of the different forms of asbestos that come into contact with the talc. In 2015, a review of evidence that was published by Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that there was an increase in mortality rates caused by lung cancer among those who mined talc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in this particular study, the exposure to talk may have been confounded with other types of carcinogens<\/a>. The data was not adjusted to measure just how much talc affected these Individuals. Inhaling talc seems to have an ill effect on the lungs and inhaling talc may increase the risk of developing lung cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Respiratory Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being exposed to talcum powder can increase a person\u2019s risk of developing respiratory diseases. While this does include lung cancer, it also includes other respiratory issues such as breathing issues, asthma<\/a>, COPD, and others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people who are exposed to talcum powder and the asbestos that it contains develop breathing issues that are hard to control. Children who are exposed to this powder at a young age are more likely to develop asthma as well as other breathing disorders. Using talc on a child can be quite dangerous as their tiny lungs have difficulty filtering the powder out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can cause many other health issues as well. This hidden problem of breathing in the powder as it is sprinkled on the baby is often overlooked. It is important to not use this type of powder on an infant. Talcum powder is something that should be avoided as it can cause all types of health issues that can be difficult to overcome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Lung Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talcum powder is made up of very small particles. When these small particles are inhaled it can cause the lungs to become irritated. This can create respiratory distress. Continuously applying or being exposed to talcum powder can have a negative effect on infants and children, as well as teens and adults. Even talcum powder that is free of asbestos can cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system when it is inhaled or ingested in any way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pulmonary talcosis is a rare disorder that is caused by inhaling talc through continued inhalation or ingestion of talc. This may come from occupational exposure. The disorder involves a chronic cough, inflammation <\/a>of the lungs, and trouble breathing. One case report describes a woman who was 24 years old and had a ritual of inhaling talcum powder. She did this for four months and then ten years later developed talcosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Risk to Infants and Children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many case reports about infants and young children having adverse effects resulting from the use of talcum powder. There have been poison control reports that show incidents that involve the inhalation of talc during a diaper change. When infants <\/a>or young children inhale the tiny particles that are found in baby powder, it can dry out their mucous membranes. This can affect the child\u2019s ability to breathe. If enough of the powder is inhaled over time or in a moment, it can cause serious damage to the child\u2019s lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One case report that was published by the BMJ states that a 3-month-old baby accidentally ingested baby powder while getting his diaper changed. He immediately choked on the powder and then puked. Four hours later his parents took him to the hospital as he was having trouble breathing. Thirty minutes after arriving at the hospital he went into respiratory arrest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Granulomatosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Granulomatosis <\/a>occurs when an intravenous drug user injects a tablet that contains talc. These tablets were intended to be used orally. The talc that is found in these tablets is used to help hold the components of the medication together. When the talc is injected into the bloodstream it can cause an arterial obstruction. This can cause a loss of blood flow into the bone tissue. When this happens, granulomas form in the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Granulomas that form in the lungs are caused by inflammation or an infection that is caused by a foreign substance being present. Injecting talc can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. It can often lead to sudden death as the talc or foreign substance can cause a person to be unable to breathe. If a person has difficulty breathing after injecting a tablet containing talc, it is important to seek medical attention right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Skin Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, a person who uses talc may develop skin irritation<\/a>. Talcum powder is often used as a way to dry up excess moisture. A person who sweats a lot may be tempted to use powder as a way to dry up their sweat and freshen up. However, using talcum powder on the skin can actually dry out the skin too much. This can cause a person to develop a rash. The skin where the talcum powder is used may become dried out and irritated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rash that develops may be in many different forms. It can be read and bumpy or dry and patchy. If you have been using powder on your skin and it becomes dried out, you should stop using the powder immediately. Talcum powder should never be used on the genitals as this can allow it to enter the body through the genitals and cause more issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Where It Hides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to talcum powder, it should be avoided as much as possible. It can cause all types of health <\/a>issues. What many people do not realize is that talcum powder is found in many types of products. Some of the products that may contain talcum powder and you do not even realize it includes: soap, bath bombs, shower products, blush, bronzer, feminine hygiene products, lotions, lipstick, eye shadow, eye shadow, foundation, face powder, deodorants, toothpaste, and face masks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to read the labels of these types of products and look for cosmetic talc or talcum powder on the label of ingredients. If you are going to use products that do contain talc, make sure that you look for ones that certify that the product is talc-free. You should especially avoid using products that contain talc such as lotion or powder in the pelvic region.
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