Health Risks Exposed: Talcum Powder Linked to Ovarian Cancer and Asthma

A case of mixing starch and talcum powder in the medicine distributed in the government hospital of Nagpur has come to light. This fake medicine was made in a lab in Haridwar. This was revealed in the 1,200-page chargesheet filed in the fake medicine supply case, which was being supplied not only in Maharashtra but also in several states, including UP, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.

However, in December 2023, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized about 21,600 ciprofloxacin tablets from a medicine store under the charge of the Civil Surgeon of Indira Gandhi Government Medical College (IGGMC), Nagpur. After testing, it was found that it has no medicinal properties at all. These anti-infectives were distributed to government hospitals during 2022-2023. In such a situation, the question arises: how dangerous is the talcum powder in these medicines for health?

Johnson & Johnson's Baby Talcum Powder has also been a problem. Considering the dangers of talcum powder, it has been decided to ban it in India. However, the company said that many studies have claimed that the use of talcum powder is completely safe. But the company complained that asbestos was found in the talcum powder. So the company had to shut it down.

What is talcum powder, and how is it made?

Talcum powder is made from talc, which is a mineral. It is composed of oxygen, magnesium, silicon, and hydrogen. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products. It has moisture-absorbing properties. Asbestos also comes from places where talc is extracted. Asbestos is called mica. It is a type of silicate mineral whose crystal structure is completely different.

It can destroy body cells. Research shows that its use increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Talcum powder causes asthma in children. The American Academy of Paediatrics claims that inhaling talcum powder can cause pneumonia in children, so it should be used sparingly or not at all.