Risk of Talcum Powder

Although talc has been widely used for decades, lawsuits that have been filed which claim serious health complications linked to its use. In fact, recent studies have reported that baby powder side effects is associated with increased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers by approximately 30 percent.

Side Effects Associated with Talcum Powder Use

Though the use of talcum powder has been considered harmless since it has been in market and even beneficial for decades, but some studies from as far back as the 1970s suggest an association of serious health problem with the use of talc. Unfortunately, the risks linked with using the talcum powder are just now becoming known all across the globe.

Respiratory problems are one of the most common baby powder side effects reported in connection with talcum powder. This is because breathing in the talc particles can cause an array of dangerous symptoms such as but not limited to:

• Inflammation
• Chronic lung irritation
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shallow breathing
• Fast breathing

These symptoms can be a fastidious concern in infants, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics has released warning discouraging the use of talcum powder for infant care.

When it comes to talcum powder use, some individuals may be more prone to health hazards than others. People who are already sensitive to respiratory ailments might hit upon serious complications with talcum powder which can trigger their asthma or even lead to pneumonia.

Also, a person’s risk of developing serious chronic respiratory diseases scaling up to lung cancer is increased the longer they are exposed to talc. Thus, miners and millers, who are directly involved with the talc-making process might be even more likely to experience grave side effects than any other average user who uses it for cosmetic purpose. A progressive pulmonary disease in any patient can trigger irreparable conditions, like lung fibrosis and permanent respiratory failure.

The Serious Concern

Long-term exposure to talc can root harmful and potentially life-threatening side effects. Concerns naturally stem from the relation between talc and different types of cancer – particularly, ovarian, endometrial and lung cancers. It is essential for individuals to have a word with their physician if they face any unpleasant side effects from using a talc-based product.

Who is At Risk?

While anyone exposed to talc can develop serious health complications, women and babies are more prone to be impacted by the baby powder side effects.

The most serious health hazard is ovarian cancer. The powder’s particles can migrate up into the uterus and eventually to the ovary where it increases the possibility of developing ovarian cancer cells. It’s estimated that the thousands of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year might be related to the use of talc.

Women across the nation have allegedly blamed Johnson & Johnson for their talc-based products which have been linked with ovarian cancer. The major cases have concerns such as:

• Lack of research about talcum powder and ovarian cancer
• Failure to warn about the risks linked with talcum powder – including respiratory problems and cancer
• Misleading information about the advantages of talcum powder for women and babies

Lack of recalls for talc-based products