Powder can have many meanings, ask Machel, ask Gary, but for this article, we refer to talcum powder. Talcum powder is made from talc - a mineral comprising mainly of the element magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. In powder form this mixture absorbs moisture well and helps cut down friction and its properties are helpful in keeping skin dry and preventing rashes. It can be found in most baby and cosmetic products. The problem with talc is not that when you put it up to your neck when going out you look like you are a white turtle neck, the issue is that it may contain asbestos, a substance known to cause cancer in and around the lungs when you breathe it in.
To the best of my recollection not many men in T&T wear talcum powder but I do see it often on women, applied to their necks, underarms, and breasts. As a breast specialist I am not familiar with its use in the female genital areas but it would be useful to hear form my gynaecologist colleagues on this.
Observation in the UK and region of application of talc powder is not random. It has been linked to lung cancer via the respiratory system, and so you should think twice about application of such products on your chest and neck. There has also been a connection to ovarian cancer, more so if the powder is applied to sanitary napkins, diaphragms, and condoms.
What do the experts say? The ARC (Antibiotic Resistance Coalition) part of the World Health Organization classifies talc that contains asbestos and the use of talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.
What do the courts say? Recently in the US a St Louis jury awarded 70 million in damages to an American woman who developed ovarian cancer from using J&J, a popular brand of talc powder. Similar judgments were awarded supporting the link with talc use and cancer (totalling over 120 million in damages).
If you are concerned about using talcum powder or products that contain talc, the best option is to either limit your exposure or avoid its use all together. An alternative and safe choice is to look for corn-starch based cosmetic products. There is no evidence at this time of links to cancer with this substance.
Dr Rajen Rampaul is a health and lifestyle contributor