Uses and Dangers of Talcum Powder in Your Life

There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of using talcum powder. But people continue using talcum powder for personal hygiene as its benefits are by far more as compared to its disadvantages. Talcum powder is widely used for adults as well as for babies.

The most important advantage of talcum powder is that it absorbs moisture and keeps the body dry and fresh. Due to this, it is widely used for applying on face and body. By removing the sweat and moisture from body, it makes one feel comfortable. Another benefit is that it reduces friction and prevents from occurrence of rashes. This is why it is applied to babies before changing diapers. Adults also use talcum powder in inner thigh portion and under arms to protect from moisture and friction. It gives them the feeling of freshness, since talcum powder is available with different fragrances.

Talcum powders are now produced in different types to suit different purposes. For summer usage, there is cool talcum powder, which gives a sense of coolness when applied over the body. You are able to get immediate relief from heat and a feeling of freshness by applying it. Again there is the prickly heat powder, which is used for getting relief from prickles developed on your body by excessive heat and exposure to sun.

Markets are flooded with talcum powders with different fragrances to suit different tastes of people. You can get talcum powder with rose flavour, jasmine flavour, lemon flavour, sandalwood flavour and many others. These fragrances are mainly used to do away with smell of sweat and maintaining freshness while participating in functions or gatherings.

Talcum powder or talc is also used in pharmaceuticals for protection from moisture. Other areas of use of talcum powder include pesticides, deodorants, crayons, chalks, textiles, soaps, insulating materials, paints, paper and food processing in which a very small quantity of talc is added.

The disadvantage of talcum powder is that it is likely to promote cancer symptoms in people. Various studies reveal that constant use and inhalation of talcum powder causes lung cancer, ovary cancer and skin diseases. But on the whole, talcum powders are very useful and beneficial in daily use.

Pros And Cons of Talcum Powder

There are major differences in the ingredients of talcum powder and baby powder. There are similarities between these two types of powders too. Both these powders are used all over the world by a large number of consumers.

Talcum Powder and Baby Powder:

Talcum powder contains talc which is basically a mineral known as hydrated magnesium silicate. It is clear and lustrous. It is usually applied on to the face and body. Today most of the powders include talc as it is one of the main ingredients in talcum powder.

Baby powders are safe and mild. It is usually made of cornstarch or talc. Today most of the baby products are made safe for babies as talc is considered to be harmful to health. Baby powder contains pure cornstarch, sodium bicarbonate and zinc oxide. It also contains various other soothing elements such as calendula, olive extracts, aloe vera, rose extract, vitamin E, lavender and so forth.

Different types of baby powders contain different types of compounds. But it is safe to use on babies. Baby powder can also be used by adults as it is safer than talcum powder.

Even though talcum powder is related to a number of health issues, it possesses some advantageous qualities. It helps to prevent chaffing and skin sores caused due to excessive sweating. It also absorbs moisture and keeps the skin dry and clean.

While baby powder is mild and soothing, talcum powder is strong. It eliminates germs and keeps the skin free from rashes and skin disorders. It can also be used for a variety of other purposes. It is often used on bed sheets and covers during summers to avoid discomfort. Talc can be applied on to the clothes to remove stains too.

Talc is also used to prevent ant infestation. It can be applied on to the cracks in the walls to prevent ants and termites.

Nevertheless, talcum powder is often related to a series of health issues which include cancer and tumors. It should not be applied on babies as it can cause suffocation and breathing problems. The powder should neither be inhaled nor ingested as it can cause serious health issues.

Uses and Health Benefits of Talcum Powder

Talc is a soft mineral found in nature and talcum powder is made from this natural mineral. Talcum powder is one of the most common cosmetic products that are used for several purposes. In fact, talc is the main ingredient in baby powders. Some of the most significant uses of this powder are elaborated in the following sections.

Health Benefits

Kids products: Talc is mostly used in baby products as it helps to reduce diaper rashes and irritations. Most of the baby powders include talc though excessive usage of the powder can cause breathing problems in infants.

Moisture absorbent: Talcum powder is mainly used to keep the skin dry as it helps to absorb moisture. It helps to reduce skin irritations caused due to excessive sweating in hot weather conditions.

Prevent chafing: Talcum powder is used by athletes to prevent chafing and reduce excessive sweat. It helps to relieve the discomfort caused due to excessive heat. It is also used by women to prevent chafing between the thighs.

Bedsores: It is used by invalids to prevent bed sores and skin irritations. Thick skin tends to harbor moisture and germs which can be prevented by using this powder.

Other Benefits of Using Talc

Carpets and clothes: It can also be used on carpets and clothes to reduce or remove stubborn stains. Apply the powder and wait for some time, the powder absorbs the grease and stains can be removed easily.

Ant infestation: It also helps to reduce ant infestation to a large extent. Sprinkle the powder around the house. Cover small openings, cracks in the floor and walls with talc to prevent ants.

Bed sheets: It can also be used on bed sheets during summer seasons to avoid perspiration and discomfort. It helps you to sleep in comfort and prevents excessive sweat.

However, it is quite harmful to inhale talcum powder as it can cause serious lung damage. Doctors recommend powder with cornstarch base which is one of the best and cheap alternatives to your regular cosmetics.

It is quite dangerous to inhale or ingest the powder, though no studies have proved a direct relation between the use of talc and occurrence of cancer.