Talc is the softest of all minerals found on Earth and has been used for years as a powder in a variety of products. The original talc powders, also referred to as talcum powders, sometimes contained asbestos, which can naturally appear in talc. A 1973 law required asbestos to be removed from talc-based products. Talc remains in heavy use as an ingredient in everyday products and might also be used by itself for common household problems.
Baby and Body Powder
The best-known use of talc powder is in baby powder. Because talc is a mineral that helps keep your body dry, it is often used in the powders that are applied to a baby's diaper area. Talc powder also appears frequently in body powders and cosmetic face powders for adults.
Household Products
Talc and its powder might be in many household products. Caulks, sealants, and wire and cable insulation all make use of talc, as do paint and roofing and flooring supplies. Other products that contain talc and talc powder include paper, plastics, rubber, hoses, gaskets and foam packaging.
Household Uses
Talc powder can be used around the house in several unconventional ways. Sprinkling talc powder around house foundations can repel ants, and it can also silence squeaky floorboards. You can also use talc powder to remove bloodstains from fabric and grease from polyester items and carpets.
Poisoning
Talcum powder poisoning occurs when talcum powder is inhaled or swallowed. Most often, this results in breathing problems, but long-term exposure to talc dust can create other health problems. Throat irritation and cough, eye irritation, diarrhea and vomiting are all signs of mild talcum powder poisoning. More severe effects include chest pain and lung failure, rash and blisters, twitching in the face and limbs, and low blood pressure.
Cancer
An investigation by Harvard's Nurses' Health Study shows a link between use of talc powder and the occurrence of a rare form of ovarian cancer called serous ovarian cancer. The link between talc powder and cancer is still subject to debate, though, so doctors won't advise you to avoid using talc powder. If you are concerned about this link, though, you can use powders with a cornstarch base.
