Baby Powder: Why is it
so dangerous?
By Jenny Nguyen, CSM SN
The most commonly used item with
babies to keep dry and free from rash are baby powders. As new studies are
starting to show, the use of baby powders are becoming more dangerous for
babies when inhaled. From the American Cancer Society, the common ingredient in
most baby powders is talcum powder. Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral
made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. The powder
absorbs moisture and helps to reduce friction, making it useful for keeping the
skin dry and prevent diaper rash. This mineral is also commonly found in
cosmetic products. In their natural form, some talc contains asbestos, known to
cause lung cancers when inhaled. The most concern with the connection of talcum
powder and cancer is focused on long-term inhalation exposure is a higher risk
for lung cancer and women applying it regularly in the genital area are at
higher risk for ovarian cancer. Although the results are not definitive, the
research continues as talcum powder is being produce in various factories in
the world. Another website, babycenter.com, with a pediatrician point of view
has also recommended against the use of baby powder due to the risk of
respiratory problems. These small particles are easily inhaled and irritate the
baby’s lungs, especially if the baby is at high risk for respiratory illness,
such as premature babies, babies with congenital heart disease, and babies who
have had RSV or frequent respiratory illness. Pediatrician Jennifer Lowry suggests
to use the powder sparingly and to be kept away from the baby’s. This is to prevent skin irritation, and powder
build up by cleaning any accumulation of the powder; especially in the folds of
the baby’s skin. According to Medline Plus, the most common sign and symptom
with excessive use of talcum powder is breathing. The markets have talc-free baby powder for safe use but
are advised to also use sparingly as the small particles can still enter the
baby’s lungs.
Reference
Heller, J. (2014, January 20).
Talcum powder poisoning: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (D.
Zieve, Ed.).
Retrieved March 2, 2015, from
Lowry, J. (2014, June 1). Is it safe to use baby powder on
my baby? | BabyCenter. Retrieved March 2,
2015, from http://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-use-baby-powder-on-my-baby_1519559.bc
Talcum Powder and Cancer. (2014, November 21). Retrieved
March 2, 2015, from
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