The Truth About Talc
Caregiver in Fairfax VA
You have likely heard a considerable amount about the potential dangers of talc in recent months and as a caregiver you might have concerns. This is especially true if your aging parent is like 
millions of others who regularly used powders containing talc to help keep themselves feeling fresh and clean, or to take care of their babies when they were little. Understanding what is going on with this once ubiquitous ingredient can help you to make confident choices about how to move forward with your parent’s care and make educated decisions about products that your parent should or should not be using.
Some things that you should know about talc include:
- It appeared in many products. Some people might think that the warnings or lawsuits only apply to products that were specifically called “talc” or “talcum powder”. The reality is, however, that it is not quite that simple. Talc is an ingredient that was actually marketed by a variety of names and in various different products. These include baby powder, foot powder, after shower powder, cosmetics, and rash guard powders. The benefits of this mineral include moisture absorption which was used to keep skin dry so that rashes did not form and skin stayed cool.
- It used to have asbestos. Talc is a naturally-occurring mineral. While there are many benefits to this, the issue comes in that the natural form also contains asbestos. This known carcinogen used to be used in buildings and insulation but was removed when it was discovered that it dramatically increased the risk of various health concerns including lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, however, powders and other products containing talc stopped having asbestos in the 1970s. This does not mean, however, that women today are not impacted. The potential cancer-causing effects of the asbestos could still be present in women who used these products all those years ago.
- The risk has not been proven. Despite all of the uproar, it is important to note that the theory that talc-containing products cause ovarian or uterine cancer as not been proven. It has, however, been referred to as “scientifically plausible”. For many people, this is enough to cause very serious concern but it does not mean that if your parent used these products they will absolutely develop cancer.
- There is an alternative. If you or your aging parent is concerned about the possible health complications associated with the use of talc, but love the way that powder makes you feel and smell, rest assured there is an alternative. Most talc-containing products have been replaced by pure cornstarch versions. These provide the same moisture-wicking and cooling benefits but without the potential risk of talc. Several studies have shown that there is no apparent link between cornstarch powder and increased risk of cancers.
If you are worried about your parent’s health because of her use of talc when she was younger, do not hesitate to talk to her doctor. They can guide you in understanding the risk and perform any screenings that they may deem important to ensuring your parent’s health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Fairfax, VA, call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. 703-273-8818
Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.
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