Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: syhprum on 14/09/2019 09:23:00

Title: Is talcum powder dangerous?
Post by: syhprum on 14/09/2019 09:23:00

I would have thought it was pretty harmless stuff but I see comments where it is included along with, Tobacco, Cell phones, Nuclear power stations and other threats 

Title: Re: Is talcum powder dangerous?
Post by: alancalverd on 14/09/2019 11:23:17

I assume you mean the addictive, carcinogenic, radioactive brand of baby powder that fries your brain. It isn't available in Britain just yet, but anything can happen after Brexit.

Title: Re: Is talcum powder dangerous?
Post by: syhprum on 14/09/2019 11:40:39

I will check my cocaine before I use it to make sure it has not been contaminated.

Title: Re: Is talcum powder dangerous?
Post by: Bored chemist on 14/09/2019 11:48:50

If it is contaminated with asbestos then yes, talc is hazardous.

Title: Re: Is talcum powder dangerous?
Post by: evan_au on 15/09/2019 04:52:15

Anything foreign that gets into your lungs is not good for them (eg anything that not's O₂, N₂, H₂O vapour and small amounts of Ar and CO₂). Other things like food smells need to be in trace amounts.

The little cilia have to work hard to shift out particulates. Made even harder if the cilia are clogged up with tobacco tar.

Try not to breathe in excessive amounts of talc when powdering baby's backside (and try not to powder baby's face too).
- The same goes for other dusts

I see that there is a recent surge of cases in the USA where lung problems (and a couple of deaths) seem to be associated with vaping. This is now being investigated by the CDC.

Title: Re: Is talcum powder dangerous?
Post by: Bored chemist on 15/09/2019 09:52:28

If, as seems inevitable, you are going to breathe dust, try to make sure it's not asbestos.