Is there any correlation between talc and cancer?

We all have favourites, be it a dress we would want to wear, an author we would like to read, a destination we would like to visit and then there are few names which are synonymous to their category, such as Johnson & Johnson to baby care. A mention of baby care products leads us to Johnson and Johnson only. One of the signature products of Johnson is its baby powder. Yes, the one which even adults like to use for themselves because it gives them an aroma of a baby and well, who wouldn’t like to smell like a baby? In the times when deodorants were not so prevalent, it was Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder only which came to rescue to fight sweat.

Johnson and Johnson’s products have been used in every household and almost every family member has or can have a hack of their own. Their baby powder is used as normal talcum powder; its baby oil is used not only as baby oil but also as a makeup remover, skin supplement, stretch marks lightener; its pink baby lotion is used by everyone who wants to use body lotion and still not feel sticky and its baby cream is used as a substitute of cold cream in winter and as a substitute of heels cream for chapped heels. Johnson & Johnson has paved its way into our lives since times immemorial.

It is one of the most preferred and trusted baby care brands. In a country like India where there are plenty of home recipes and ingredients available, people across all generations still trust Johnson & Johnson for their kids.

Then why suddenly such hues and cries around the safety of talc? How has Johnson and Johnson baby powder been linked to cancer? Why suddenly the top searches for the word ‘talc’ on Google takes you to questions like “is talc safe” or “does talc cause cancer”? 

It all started with a report by Reuters that stated that Johnson and Johnson’s baby powder causes cancer as it contains asbestos. A state regulatory authority in India then asked Johnson & Johnson to stop production of the company’s baby powder in its Mulund and Baddi unit. But is this possible that a company which has been around for more than 125 years is manufacturing products that cause cancer? Can a company which has gained faith across generations go wrong with something as serious as cancer?

The company has been clear and maintained its stance around the matter. They have continuously challenged verdicts and won them too. They are always open to multiple tests as conducted by various authorities and maintain that the ingredients used in their products are of the utmost quality, each ingredient passes multiple tests across the year before it takes its place in the product, and that they are not lenient about safety matters around the products they produce. The government authorities, after conducting multiple levels of tests and investigations have also come to the conclusion that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is safe to use, doesn’t cause cancer and that it is free of asbestos.

Johnson and Johnson has time and again raised the bar in delivering what is best for the babies. Each of their product, be it their baby powder, baby shampoo, baby lotion or top to toe is the mildest thing ever because time and again Johnson & Johnson has improved itself by bringing out a newer version of themselves. They have from time to time removed the unwanted ingredients from their products, constantly back by studies and research. Even the fragrance that they use is gentle and irritation-free, no doubt a baby smelling of Johnson and Johnson lights up everyone’s face.

As stated by NDTV, regulatory authorities from Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and Egypt have also reaffirmed the purity of Johnson & Johnson’s talc. Independent studies and research have also tested and given a reaffirmation that Johnson n Johnson baby powder doesn’t cause cancer and is safe to be used. In fact, no correlation between talc and cancer was proven.

 It is time we learn for our safety that how a particular product is to be used, in this case just apply the talc in your hand and then gently smear on your baby’s body post-bath or anytime baby needs a freshen up. All the necessary instructions are right there on the Johnson’s baby bottle; you just need to read it, implement it correctly, and continue using your favourite product.