It seems that talcum powder can cause some serious problems. Most morning I put some talcum powder on my hands, slap my hands together, and put some talcum powder on face. This creates a small cloud of talcum powder some of which I am sure I inhale. Am I risking my life my doing this? If so, what is the level of danger? Should I stop doing this? If talcum powder is dangerous to be on the skin, why do they sell it? What other uses would it have other than putting it on the skin?
-
-
- The page linked probably concerns possible allergies, not so much typical external use. As for sniffing talcum powder, you may have the field in that line of research.
-
…Note that it is wise to buy your talc from extablished reputable companies, as asbestos naturally occurs in the same mineral compounts that talcum powder is drawn from:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=asbestos+talc+mining&btnG=Google+Search
Talc intended for cosmetic usage has to be tested regularly as it is mined.
~
During a Haz-Mat course I took, the instructor pulled a can of ‘Johnsons Baby Powder’ out of his bag, and passed it around the room. Unlike todays version, it was a metal can, the same shape as the plastic one that we are familiar with today. The can was dated 1944, and the key ingredient on the can was asbestos. In big letters. Who knew.
:eek:
I have a big industrial bucket of magnesium silicate that I bought because I hate the baby powder scent. How can I tell if there are asbestos contaminants included (no indication on the label that this is the case).
I’ve been reading lots of baby books and many of them say not to use talcum powder as it can get in the baby’s lungs and cause problems, who knew? I always thought that baby powder was a good thing for baby’s bottom. I know that mom used it on us while we were little. Maybe that’s what’s wrong with me! 
Here’s Cecils answer.
I read when I was younger it can cause pneumonia. Here’s what I found on lucky google search of that issue.
When I was in high school we did a production of Barnum, which involved learning how to put on clown makeup and other clownly things. The old clown who showed us how to do this stuff told us not to inhale while powdering our makeup to set it because we would fall victim to “white lung.” He claimed there were hundreds of retired clowns suffering from white lung from inhaling the powder for years over the course of their careers.
Anecdotal, for what it’s worth. Hold your breath!
As a rule I try to avoid inhaling crushed rock. I’m surprised no one has suggested cornstarch which is more absorbent anyway.
I was just going to suggest cornstarch or baking soda.
It never occurred to me that Talcum Powder could be dangerous. I used it all the time as a kid.
You’re not supposed to get it on your skin? What is talcum powder for??
A lot of “Baby Powder” and such now-a-days is cornstarch, not talcum.
I remember a news article years ago about a man who liked to powder himself and his whole bed with BP before retiring for the night. The clouds of dust finally drove his wife from the room because she was smart enough to know that breathing that much of it couldn’t be good for you. He died.
Which is what I have. Is there a way I can test to see if there is asbestos contamination?
It can also cause problems for people with allergies, such as myself. I can tell when my female apartment neighbors use it because the fragrance comes thru the ceiling/walls and attacks my eyes and sinuses. Ditto for their laundry soap powder.
Cause of Death: Lackanookie.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cecil Adams
Johnson & Johnson says its baby powder never had it, never will, and blames the whole thing on low-class “industrial” (i.e., noncosmetic) talc.
Re my post # 3.
I stand by my statement. I held that Johnson and Johnson can in my hand, and read the ingredients. Cecil was told a flat out lie.