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Recent findings reveal that Johnson & Johnson, the company behind baby powder, was aware for years that their talc included small traces of asbestos. Despite this, they concealed the information from regulators and individuals who filed lawsuits against them for cancer-related issues. Should this cause alarm? Here’s what you should understand.
How does asbestos end up in baby powder?
Traditionally, baby powder is crafted from talc, a mineral extracted from the earth.
Asbestos, now infamous for its cancer-causing properties, is also a naturally occurring mineral. It forms fine fibers and is fire-resistant, which led to its use in fireproof insulation and even deceptive tablecloths for medieval festivities before its health risks were widely recognized.
Since talc and asbestos are often found close to each other in nature, mining talc for baby powder production can sometimes result in asbestos contamination.
What are the risks associated with asbestos?
Inhaling asbestos can cause lung scarring. Individuals who worked with asbestos, such as miners, shipbuilders during World War II, or construction workers in the 1950s, were particularly at risk. Additionally, asbestos exposure is strongly associated with lung cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer affecting the lung lining).
Talcum powder, however, is a different matter, as previously mentioned. Scientific evidence remains mixed and inconclusive. A recent court case saw 22 women and their families awarded 4.7 billion dollars for claims of harm caused by talcum powder. However, Popular Science rightly notes that a jury's decision does not equate to scientific proof. While talc-based baby powder might pose risks, definitive conclusions remain elusive.
Should I be concerned if I’ve used baby powder?
You and your baby are likely safe. Slate provides a detailed analysis of the known risks. Even during the time Johnson & Johnson concealed the presence of trace asbestos in their baby powder, the amount was minimal. Additionally, there is currently no evidence suggesting that modern baby powder contains asbestos.
Your baby powder might not even contain talc. As awareness of the risks grew, many brands shifted to talc-free formulas using corn starch. Always check the product label to confirm.
Is it time to stop using baby powder?
The answer is straightforward: Yes. The only exception is if you personally enjoy using it on your skin and are comfortable with the slight potential cancer risk. Otherwise, there’s no compelling reason to continue.
Originally designed to absorb moisture in a baby’s diaper, baby powder is still marketed for its ability to leave skin feeling soft and add a pleasant fragrance to diaper changes. While this makes for great advertising, what real benefit does it offer the baby?
A bit of powder on the baby’s bottom, which has little to no effect
A slight risk to the baby’s lungs if it manages to get into the baby powder container—something that, given its curiosity, is bound to happen eventually.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using talcum powder due to the risks of inhalation, independent of any potential cancer concerns. Babies are likely to find and shake the container, creating a mess and inhaling the powder. Additionally, generating a cloud of powder during diaper changes benefits no one.
What’s a better alternative? For those who’ve stuck around this long—likely grandparents and great-grandparents—modern parents in 2018 rely on something called diaper cream. I highly recommend maximum strength Desitin for severe diaper rash and their regular formula for daily care. Other trusted options include A+D and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. Switching to cream eliminates any concerns about baby powder ingredients entirely.
