These are the safest alternatives to talcum powder, declared “probably carcinogenic” by the WHO

Talco (pexels)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that talc, a mineral widely used in cosmetics, is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO body dedicated to studying cancer, has concluded that this material can cause cancer. In assessing its danger, they placed it at level 2A, the second highest on a scale that goes from level 3, considered “not classifiable as carcinogenic to humans,” to level 1, which indicates sufficient evidence to consider it carcinogenic.

The results of the evaluation, published in The Lancet Oncology, specify that although there is limited evidence that talc can cause tumors in humans, especially ovarian tumors, there is sufficient certainty that it causes cancer in experimental animals. Regarding human exposure to talc, the report indicates that this occurs in work environments during the extraction, grinding or processing of the mineral, as well as during the production of products containing talc.

For the general population, talc is found in cosmetics and body powders, and is “likely” also present in food, medicines and other consumer products. In addition, possible contamination of talc with asbestos cannot be ruled out in several human studies. In this scenario, it is best to stop using products of this type and replace them with more suitable ones.

Beauty products scattered on a surface showing signs of deterioration – (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Mineral talc is not only found in baby powder or foot powder, but also in cosmetics such as lipstick, face powder, blush, eye shadow, mascara, foundation and children’s make-up. To avoid its use, several measures are recommended. One option is to replace talc with vegetable powders such as cornstarch, oat flour or crushed seeds. In this respect, the consistency of cornstarch is exactly the same as that of talc.

It is also advisable to wash grains, such as rice, thoroughly before cooking to remove traces of talc. Eating products made with natural ingredients and free of toxins is another preventive measure. As for clothing, it is recommended to choose natural fabrics such as cotton or cotton instead of polyester or other synthetic fibers, since they absorb body moisture better. To eliminate bad odors from clothing or shoes, it is suggested to use a spray bottle with water and a few drops of tea tree essential oil.

Finally, for hygiene and care of babies, the best alternative is to opt for soap and water. Use moisturizing cream and coconut oil to prevent possible skin injuries.

A total of 29 international experts have exhaustively reviewed the available scientific literature to determine that talc “exhibits key characteristics of carcinogens in primary human cells and experimental systems.”

In this sense, to identify whether a product contains talc, it is enough to look at its label. Thus, it must indicate that the article contains one of the following elements: talc, mineral talc, talcum powder or magnesium silicate.

The Supreme Court has denied compensation of 135,000 euros to a woman with cancer for concealing her state of health.