Cancer Risks Does the use of talcum powder actually cause ovarian cancer?

Increases talcum powder cancer risk?

Talcum powder is used in many households, for example, it is often used in babies to avoid unpleasant rashes. Talcum powder, however, may increase the risk of ovarian and lung cancer. In the US, a woman who contracted ovarian cancer after many years of use of the powder has sued for damages and has been awarded several million dollars in compensation.

Many women may be ill or die from talcum powder

Thousands of people who came into contact with talcum powder at a younger age could now be at increased risk for ovarian and lung cancer, experts said. Most people are probably not aware that the use of talcum powder poses a health risk. The same applies to the plaintiff in the US, who used the powder over many years for intimate hygiene.

A cancer patient from the US was awarded a huge sum of damages. Your illness is probably due to the use of talcum powder. (Image: thitarees / fotolia.com)

What is talc used for?

Talc consists of magnesium silicate, which is able to bind water. Talcum powder is often used to prevent rashes, but it can also be used on hair and on the face. Talcum has often been used as a baby powder in the past. Talcum is also included in food and tablets. Talc is also widely used in cosmetics, for example, there is a talcum powder for the area of ​​the genitals in women. Talcum powder is included in a number of cosmetic products, including face powder, baby powder and adult body powder. Talcum can also be found in many makeup products such as eyeshadow.

Woman complains and gets awarded 417 million dollars

In America, victims have already sued talc manufacturers for several million dollars in damages after suffering from ovarian cancer or a so-called mesothelioma. A plaintiff and long-time user of talcum powder has now been awarded in the US, for example, a total damages of 417 million US dollars, after years of using the powder in the genital area and finally developed a so-called ovarian cancer, reports the information portal RSVP live. Despite this ruling, it remains controversial whether the mineral powder is actually carcinogenic.

Risks were not sufficiently explained

Many people are rightly worried. Talcum powder was an incredibly popular product among women just a few decades ago, and now sufferers and their children are suffering severe consequences. Even then they would have had to be informed about the possible risks, but instead they were duped, so the accusation.

Talc may contain asbestos

A big part of talc is talc. Talc partially contains asbestos in its natural form, a substance known to cause cancer in and around the lungs when inhaled. When talcum powder is linked to cancer, it is important to distinguish between talc containing asbestos and talc that is asbestos free, experts explain.

Talc with asbestos can cause cancer

Inhaled talc containing asbestos is generally recognized as carcinogenic. However, this type of talc is not used in modern consumer goods. However, the evidence for the possible effects of asbestos-free talc remains controversial and to this day, this form of talc is still widespread. (As)