What is Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is made from talc, a naturally occurring silicate mineral mined from rock deposits in the Earth’s crust. Manufacturers crush, dry and mill talc into a fine, soft, white powder that is used in a variety of industrial and cosmetic products. Three companies operate talc mines in the United States. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodities Survey of January 2022, in 2021 domestic production of crude talc was an estimated 490,000 tons valued at $22 million. While talc is generally considered safe, some studies link the fine powder to health problems. Safety concerns have led to a rise in talcum powder lawsuits.

Talcum Powder Injuries
& Side Effects

The most serious potential side effect from women using talcum powder is ovarian cancer (caused by the powder entering the ovaries through the vagina) and mesothelioma (caused by the talcum powder entering the lungs).

A study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found African American women who used talcum powder on their genitals had a 44% increased risk of ovarian cancer.

The IARC has declared use of talc in the genital (perineal) region as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” according to the agency’s June 2020 monographs on the identification of carcinogenic hazards to humans.

Does it cause Mesothelioma?

Some studies and lawsuits link talcum powder contaminated with asbestos to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that most commonly affects the lining of the lungs but can also develop in the lining of the abdomen or heart. Asbestos exposure has been linked to all three of these cancers.

People may inhale or swallow talcum powder contaminated with asbestos fibers. It can cause inflammation and scarring. This can lead to mesothelioma.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) says talc contaminated with asbestos is “carcinogenic to humans.” But the agency, which is a division of the World Health Organization, also specifies that asbestos-free talc is “not classifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans,” according to the agency’s June 2020 monographs on the identification of carcinogenic hazards to humans.