Health: Talcum Baby Powder Products May Contain Asbestos
Baby products, like baby powder, have long been considered to be gentle and safe, but new information and a slew of lawsuits are proving your favorite talcum powder may be anything but. Moms and anyone who uses talcum powder need to know that some of these products have tested positive for traces of the carcinogenic mineral asbestos.
What is Talc and Asbestos?
Talc and asbestos are both minerals that can be mined and used in a variety of products and materials. Talc is ground down into a fine powder that provides protection against friction and moisture absorption, which has made it a desirable material for body powders and baby powders.
Asbestos is now heavily regulated and restricted, but it was once used extensively in a variety of industries, especially construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. It was found to be carcinogenic and to be linked to several health problems, especially the deadly and rare cancer known as pleural mesothelioma.
When fibers of asbestos are inhaled or ingested they pierce tissues in the body and may cause cellular damage that leads to cancer. Asbestos can cause pleural mesothelioma around the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma in the abdomen, lung cancer, and a respiratory disease called asbestosis.
Is There Asbestos in Talcum Powder?
It is well known that talc deposits in the earth are often contaminated with asbestos. Manufacturers are supposed to ensure that their talcum powder products have been purified, that there is no longer any asbestos lurking in them by the time they get to consumers. And yet there is evidence that talcum powder products you buy at the store may contain asbestos. In fact, one study actually tested several different products made with talc and found that many baby powders did have asbestos fibers.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Putting A Premium On Mum’s Health
Mothers are the most hard-working people around, they keep a 24/7 job, all-year long, with no vacation leaves or under time privileges and mums do this without salary. They double as a chauffeur, a playmate, a nanny, a cook, a laundrywoman and an all-around wonder woman who gets every job done. Needless to say, there is really no room for mum to fall ill lest no one will take her numerous place or the world will become one chaotic place to live in.
Unfortunately, in the midst of all the things mum has to do and all the many roles she has to perform, her needs and concerns almost always become the last priority. There seem to be too much on her plate that she will put off her dentist appointment and routine check ups for the more pressing concerns. Truth is these concerns will simply keep on cropping up and mum must really set aside a day in her busy schedule to go to all her medical appointments. After all, making sure that mum is in tip top shape is the best way she can be sure that she can perform all her duties and responsibilities as long as she can.
So mums make sure you visit the dentist and your OB-Gyne and make sure to finish that physical examination you have been eyeing to have since this year started. Get an updated prescription glasses and make sure you stock up on your vitamins, too. Remember that it pays to put premium on your health. It also pays to be abreast with the latest on women health issues and read the news, health journals, or these breast cancer facts online. Apart from going to your doctor, knowledge is also one important factor in keeping you fit and healthy.