Talcum powder is an inorganic compound made up of finely ground minerals, especially magnesium, silicon, hydrogen and oxygen. Since it is able to absorb water, it is used as a desiccant and against rubbing abrasions. It is also used in the manufacture of cosmetics and other body care products due to its absorbent properties; in the pharmaceutical industry it is used to prevent tablets from sticking together. Learn to use this substance safely to ensure your health and that of your family.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Finding Safe Ways to Use Talcum Powder
Step 1. Use it to counteract male irritation
Talcum powder can be used without problems by men to avoid sweating and abrasions in the genital area; its use has not been related to any form of cancer of this part of the body. If you have any skin problems with cracking and other frictional irritation, talcum powder will help keep the area dry.
If you are a man who applies it to the genitals, do not do it before sexual intercourse with a woman, as this substance may have some cause and effect relationship with ovarian cancer and you should not expose your partner to this risk. Wash off the dust before an intimate relationship or consider alternative solutions
Step 2. Apply talc-based cosmetics
There is little evidence showing the negative effects of using these products and the European Union regulates their talc content.
- Recent studies, conducted by the FDA, have found no traces of asbestos in talc-based cosmetics.
- Talc is used for the production of powders, eyeshadows and blushes.
Step 3. Apply the powder sparingly
If you spread it on the body, do not overdo it, avoid covering yourself with a thick layer and choose it only when there are no other solutions, however paying close attention.
Shake the package gently to release only small doses of product; do not spread much of it in the air, because you spread the talc spores into the environment that cause respiratory problems when they are inhaled
Step 4. If you are a woman, do not apply talcum powder on your underwear
It has been linked to ovarian cancer and the risk arises when it enters the vagina, moving up to the ovaries themselves. Research has come up with mixed results, but most doctors advise against using it on the genitals. Prolonged exposure to the substance appears to be the greatest risk of ovarian cancer; so if you are a woman, avoid sprinkling it on underwear, to avoid it remaining on the skin for a long time.
Women should not put it on sanitary pads, diaphragms, condoms or directly on the genitals
Step 5. Avoid inhaling it
When inhaled, it can cause numerous health problems and, of course, respiratory problems as well. If you want to use talcum powder, you have to work hard not to get it into your lungs.
- It is not an easy task, because it is a very fine substance, but you can use it in minimal doses to limit the problem.
- Do not shake the container vigorously, be gentle and do not spread the dust in the air.
- Inhaling significant doses of talc can cause a type of chemical pneumonia that is considered a health emergency.
Step 6. Do not sprinkle talcum powder directly on a child's body
Talcum powder is found in many baby hygiene products and, if you decide to use them, avoid dusting them on the baby's skin; step away from him, put some powder on your hands and then rub it on his body.
Make sure you shake the pack away from her face. The biggest concerns about using talc on children are the negative effects of inhaling it
Step 7. Store all powder in a child-resistant container
If you keep talcum powder at home, store it out of the reach of children and in a container with a tightly closed cap. You should also consider putting it in a lockable container in case your child can find it.
Babies tend to let the talc out of the container by spreading the dangerous particles by inhalation into the air; keeping the product in a safe place will minimize this risk
Method 2 of 3: Using Alternatives
Step 1. Try cornstarch or tapioca starch
Both are alternatives to talcum powder because they absorb moisture and protect the skin from cracking. You can buy them in supermarkets; some baby care products companies offer safe starch-based "talcum powders".
- However, corn and tapioca starches represent a "food" for bacteria and skin yeasts, especially for Candida; if you or your child have a yeast rash, do not apply these products, as it will make the situation worse. These dermatological problems are most common in the skin folds of the groin area and thighs.
- If you're worried about using talc-based makeup, you can find powders, eyeshadows, and blushes made with cornstarch.
Step 2. Try other types of powders
If you don't want to use starches, try other substances; some flours represent valid alternatives.
- Rice and chickpea powders absorb moisture and keep the skin dry, making them excellent substitutes for corn starch or talc.
- Try cornmeal or oatmeal - they're perfect for absorbing moisture.
- You can buy them in supermarkets and grocery stores; remember to keep them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
Step 3. Add some powdered weed
If you are using alternatives to talc, try finely chopped herbs, such as lavender, rose petals, and chamomile flowers, which can soothe and deodorize the skin.
Remember to grind the plant material into a powder; you can use a coffee or spice grinder; before applying it, sift it to separate the large pieces
Step 4. Make a homemade powder
You can mix different alternative products to make a custom blend; in addition, you can use maranta starch and white kaolinite as basic substances.
- Mix these two powders in equal parts, add three drops of lavender essential oil for every 120g of powder mixture and mix thoroughly.
- You can replace maranta starch and white kaolinite with any other substance alternative to talc; for example, combine 100g of rice powder with 100g of oatmeal.
- If you want to apply the product to a newborn or have sensitive skin, you can opt for essential oils instead of dried herbs.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding the Risks of Using Talcum Powder
Step 1. Learn about the correlation between talc and ovarian cancer
A recent study concluded that, although rare, frequent use of this substance in the female genital area increases the risk of ovarian cancer by 20-30%. A judgment expressed in a lawsuit confirmed the same assumptions.
- In general, the use of this substance represents a minimal risk of ovarian cancer, when compared with obesity, hormone replacement therapy and familiarity for the disease, but it is still a real danger.
- IARC - a division of the World Health Organization - lists talc as a possible carcinogen.
Step 2. Learn about the risks of using talcum powder on children
It is used for the production of several baby powders and poses a real risk to your child's health. The greatest danger is that of inhaling the talc particles, especially if it is a newborn.
- Inhaling this substance causes cough, eye and throat irritation, difficulty breathing, wheezing, shallow breathing, chest pain, lung failure, diarrhea, vomiting and even urinary and circulatory problems; in severe cases, fever occurs and the child may go into a coma.
- You can use talc-free powders, natural alternatives or completely avoid applying these kinds of products and switch to creams or ointments.
Step 3. Understand the connection between talc and asbestos
In past decades, talcum powders also contained asbestos, a notoriously carcinogenic substance; currently, the European Community and the United States prohibit its use, having included it in the list of toxic and contaminating products.
- Since the 1960s, some concerns have been raised about talcum powders contaminated with asbestos and have been associated with cancer, especially ovarian, in women who applied the product to the genital area.
- Recently, a study was conducted by the FDA to monitor raw talcum powder for cosmetic use and hygiene products based on this substance for asbestos contamination. The process took a year and the results did not reveal the presence of the toxic substance.
- However, the FDA could only test four different suppliers and a greater number of personal care products; consequently, the data have informational value, but are not considered conclusive.
