Why Is Talc A Problem?

Talc is the uninvited Real Housewive that shows up in all the powder related products.

Even in the powder products that are made for our little queens. Look no further than this recent publication. Studies found talc and asbestos in over 2,000 makeup products sold in the past two years.

So what is talc? And why is it a problem?

Talc is a mineral. That’s the basic answer. It’s used to absorb moisture in powder products.

The problem starts because talc is not a pure mineral. Talc is actually 40% talc and 60% various asbestos minerals.

Basically that means talc is naturally contaminated with asbestos from the get-go. We all know (or at least should know) that asbestos is linked to cancer because it is a known human carcinogen.

To take it one step further, most of the talc mined in the United States comes from the mines that were previously used to take asbestos from.

Talc - and the tag-along asbestos - are known to cause respiratory issues, cancer, and organ toxicity - such as in the stomach, lungs and heart.

Asbestos has been linked to both ovarian and lung cancer. Many studies have indicated that the inhalation of talc can cause mesothelioma later in life.

That’s the issue I keep revisiting. These product ingredients may not show immediate harm, but those long term effects, y’all….

So where is it?

You can find talc in:

Baby powder
Eye shadow
Lotion
Feminine hygiene products
Foundation
Lipstick
Face masks

Now, as always I’m not going to tell you all this “bad” info without pointing you in the right direction - because as of now there is no legislation that allows for the FDA to test for asbestos.

You should definitely start using the EWG Healthy Living app to scan your products.

Look for talc-free products.

And shop safer with these recommendations: