Talcum powder, often called baby powder, has been used for decades. This seemingly inert mineral is highly valued for its astringent qualities. By drying the area it prevents friction and lets the user enjoy life without chafing. Most commonly it is used on babys bottoms to prevent diaper rash, but there are many other uses. Unfortunately there are no warnings as to the dangers of talcum powder. While they are not widespread, they do exist.
The Uses of Talcum Powder
Talc is a natural chalky mineral that has a very wide variety of uses. Primarily mothers will sprinkle it on their babys backsides to prevent diaper rash. However, many women use it daily on themselves for personal hygiene to prevent their own chafing.
Beyond personal uses the powder is extremely widespread. It is used in cosmetics such as lipstick to provide the solid base. It is used in latex gloves as the powdery interior coating that allows the gloves to slide on and off easily. It is even used in the manufacture of tires, both in the tire and with the equipment to prevent the rubber from sticking.
The Dangers of Talcum Powder
It has long been known that using talcum powder on babies is not entirely safe. While sprinkling it on their rear end is fine, the particles are extremely small. They can float up through the air and the young person may inhale them. This leads to persistent cough and prolonged lung problems. To counter this dilemma the manufacturers put out a corn starch based powder. Corn starch powder isnt quite as fine, and it poses a minimal risk of inhalation.
The bigger problem with talcum powder, however, is for the women who use it, or have used it, for their own personal hygiene. It turns out that the particles can travel into the body and become lodged in the ovaries. This causes inflammation and irritation, an environment prime for the growth of cancer. Many women who have used talcum powder in a perineal application habitually (every day for years on end) have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered from ovarian cancer after using talcum powder every day, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the talcum powder manufacturer. Your first step is to contact a personal injury attorney and schedule your free case review. The makers of talcum powder never warned about the dangers associated with their product, there is no reason that you should suffer due to their negligence.
