Is talcum powder safe?!


Question: I've read things about it causing cancer and affecting the lungs, is it safe to use in small amounts every now and again?
Or should it be avoided completely?

Thanks x


Answers: I've read things about it causing cancer and affecting the lungs, is it safe to use in small amounts every now and again?
Or should it be avoided completely?

Thanks x

Talcum is safe in and of itself, but if breathed in over a long period of time, it could cause a form of "white lung disease" similar to the black lung disease of coal miners. The small amounts of talc can build up over time and cause a minor but long term irritation of the lungs. That irritation can result in certain lung cancers over the long run.

So, while it's okay to use talcum powder occasionally, or even regularly if you are careful not to breath in the airborne particles, long term use where you breath in the particles could cause a problem in the long term.

The same holds true for bakers exposed to flour dust over many years.

I kinda figure that if it was overly dangerous it wouldn't b on sale...

I am allergic to the baby talcum powder, makes me sneeze and keep sneezing. Thankfully when I go into Hospital they use the antibacterial talc and so I have no problems, but cannot visit any new born Cousins, unless they are in the bath or talc free. Good Luck





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