The science supporting a link between using talcum powder and
ovarian cancer depends on who you ask; however, recent verdicts
against Johnson & Johnson, a manufacturer of products used
commonly for feminine hygiene containing talcum powder, suggest
that juries tend to believe that talcum powder can cause ovarian
cancer. Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral made up mainly
of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. In powder form,
talc absorbs moisture and helps cut down on friction, making it
useful for keeping skin dry and helping to prevent rashes. Due to
these properties, talcum powder is widely used in cosmetic products
such as baby powder and adult body and facial powders, as well as
in a number of other consumer products. In its natural form, some
talc may contain asbestos or asbestiform fibers, which may cause
certain forms of cancer when made friable.
