Talc, or Talcum, is a naturally occurring clay mineral made with magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It has been combined with cornstarch and used as a baby powder for decades. Concerns have been raised about the safety of using talc in baby and body powders due to potential health risks. Several companies are even facing talcum powder lawsuits over the negative impacts talc has on the body. Some of the dangers linked to talc in body powder include:

1. Respiratory problems: Body and baby powders are usually applied directly to the skin but obviously some minor inhalation can occur. Inhalation of talc powder can irritate the respiratory system which can lead to breathing difficulties and coughing. Over time, this can even result in lung damage.
2. Ovarian cancer: A huge story in the media recently is the link between the use of talcum powder in the gential area and the increased risk of ovarian cancer in women. While evidence is still not conclusive, some research suggests that the tiny talc particles can travel through the reproductive system and cause inflammation which can lead to cancerous growths.
3. Skin irritation: Do you have sensitive skin? You'll definitely want to chose a talc free body powder as talc can cause skin irritation. Talc powder used over time can even lead to dermatitis! Other skin issues raised include dryness, redness, and severley itchy skin.
4. Asbestos contamination: Mineral talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. What's worse than accidentally inhaling a talc powder? Inhaling a talc powder that is contaminated with asbestos fibers! This can lead to serious health issues such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Mining sites now have to be tested to ensure only asbestos-free talc is present.
5. Risk to infants: Talc powders should NOT be used on infants or young children due to the potential respiratory issues if inhaled. The accidental ingestion of powder by infants or toddlers can lead to gastrointestinal issues or aspiration pneumonia. BABYDUST unscented baby powder is a great talc-free alternative to traditional talcum powders.
6. Reproductive and developmental toxicity: Talc has been linked to negative effects on reproductive health and development. Animal studies have shown that talc can lead to reproductive toxicity as well as decreased fertility and developmental abnormalities in offspring. These discoveries raise concerns about the risks associated with talc, particularly for pregnant women. LADYDUST body powder for women is the smart and safe choice for your body!
7. Environmental concerns: Talc mining and processing can have negative environmental impacts. These include the destruction of habitats, soil and water contamination, as well as the destruction of ecosystems.

These are just a FEW of the issues that have been raised regarding talc powders. To mitigate these risks, all MANDUST, LADYDUST, and BABYDUST powders are made with arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and zinc oxide. We want to educate our customers to be aware of the potential dangers associated with talc-containing products so everyone can make informed choices about their use. Choose a MANDUST talc free powder the next time you need a body or baby powder!