CAP urges gov't to ban talc-based products

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to ban talcum powder and talc-based products.

CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader (above) said that talc, a primary component in talcum powder, has purportedly been linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems.

“In spite of the dangers associated with talcum powder, there are numerous brands in the market and some of these brands target babies.

“In view of the dangers associated with talcum powder and products containing talc, CAP calls on the Health Ministry to ban talcum powder and talc-based products.

“Meanwhile, consumers are advised to use powder which is made from corn or rice flour. Mothers are advised to use ointments instead of medicated powders for rashes in babies,” he said in a statement today.

Mohideen pointed out that ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer amongst women in Malaysia, with about 500 being diagnosed with the disease each year.

Talc is toxic, he claimed, as its particles can cause tumours in ovaries and lungs.

“Researchers have found talc particles in ovarian tumours and have found that women with ovarian cancer have used talcum powder in their genital (area) more frequently than healthy women,” he said.

Talcum powder also purportedly poses a major risk to lungs, he said, as its tiny particles may easily work their way into them.

This is particularly dangerous for babies, he said.

“The inhalation of powder during diaper changing sessions has led to injuries and even death of babies. Talc may cause a baby’s airways to swell and result in pneumonia. Talcum powder has also been linked to causing asthma in children.

“Exposing children to this carcinogen is unnecessary and dangerous,” Mohideen said.

This comes after Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced on Tuesday that it would stop selling its talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder in the US and Canada, making the decision after a consumer products “portfolio reassessment related to Covid-19”.

The US healthcare conglomerate faces more than 16,000 lawsuits from consumers claiming its talc products caused their cancer. - Mkini