Talcum Powder

Background

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Johnson's Baby Powder was an invention of Dr. Frederick B. Kilmer, company's first director of scientific affairs. In 1892 he got a letter from a physician noting that patients suffered skin irritations after using medicated plasters. Kilmer suggested to use scented Italian talcum powder to mitigate the irritation and sent a can to the doctor. These patients discovered that the talc also helped alleviate diaper rash, and they told the Company.  As a result, JOHNSON’S® Baby Powder made its debut in 1893, went on the market in 1894, and the Company’s baby products business was born.

Treatment / Use

These powders are often used to prevent or treat diaper rash around infants' bottoms and genital areas. Women also commonly use these powders on their genitals to reduce feminine odors. Adult men and women may also use baby powder on other parts of their body to soothe rashes or ease friction on the skin.

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Injuries / Complications / Concerns

Numerous studies have indicated a possible link between long-term use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer.  In 2003, Meta-analysis from more than one dozen studies revealed a 30% increase in ovarian cancer for women who regularly used talc.  More recently, a 2013 study showed a 24% increase in ovarian cancer among women who used talcum powder, while another study showed an increased risk as high as 41%.

It is believed that talcum powder can travel through the vagina, into the uterus and along the fallopian tubes to the ovaries.

It has been reported that Johnson & Johnson new for decades that talc contained asbestos, as well as hiding reports of the link between ovarian cancer and its talcum powder.

The following is an INTERNAL slide from a talc supplier – it depicts a mocked Monopoly board showing what needs to occur to get the product (talc) to market.

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