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Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: Why has Johnson and Johnson decided to discontinue its talc-based baby powder?” published in Indian Express on 16th August 2022.
What is the News?
Pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson(J&J) has announced that it will discontinue the sale of its talc-based baby powder globally by 2023.
This is being done after thousands of lawsuits have been filed by women who claim that the product caused them to have ovarian cancer due to the alleged contamination of asbestos, a known carcinogen.
What is Talc?
Talc is the softest known mineral and is mined from underground deposits. Chemically, talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate.
It is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products like baby powder, lipstick, eyeshadow and foundation.
When reduced to a fine powder, it is able to absorb moisture and reduce friction which keeps the skin dry, helps prevent rashes, stops makeup from caking and generally helps improve the feel and texture of a product.
Does it cause cancer?
Asbestos, the name for another group of naturally occurring silicate minerals, can also be found near talc deposits.
According to the FDA, there is the potential for contamination of talc with asbestos. Asbestos has been used in construction and manufacturing and is known to cause lung cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma and other health conditions.
