Talcum powder is made of talc, a mineral that consists mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon and oxygen. As a powder, it absorbs wetness well and reduces resistance, prevents rashes and keeps skin dry. It is widely used in cosmetic products such as adult body and face powder and baby powder, as well as in a number of other consumer products.
In their original form, some talc contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancer in and around the lungs when inhaled (see Asbestos). You may browse the web to know about baby powder and cancer link.
In 1976, the Toiletries, Cosmetics, and Perfumes Association (CTFA), the trade association for the cosmetics and personal care products industry, issued voluntary guidelines stating that all powder used in the US in cosmetic products must be asbestos free by their standards.
Much of the concern about a possible link between talc and cancer focuses on:
Do people who have been exposed to powder particles for a long time, for example Talc Miner, have a higher risk of lung cancer than breathing.
Are women who regularly use powder in the genital area at a higher risk of ovarian cancer?
When talking about if talc is related to cancer or not, it is significant to differentiate between talc comprising asbestos and talc which is asbestos-free. Talc, which contains asbestos, is usually considered carcinogenic if inhaled. The evidence for asbestos-free powder is less clear.
