Johnson & Johnson’s would discontinue marketing talc-based baby powder globally in 2023. Johnson & Johnson, the brand that has been trusted ever since when it comes to baby powder has declared that it will stop producing and selling talcum powder starting in 2023 due to a decline in sales and also according to thousands of lawsuits alleging that the talc-based powder caused ovarian cancer.
Some talc contains asbestos in its natural state, which is known to cause lung cancer when inhaled
According to the information provided by the American Cancer Society, talc, a mineral mostly composed of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen is the source of talcum powder. It is helpful for keeping skin dry and reducing friction as a powder since it effectively absorbs moisture and lessens rashes. It is commonly used in a variety of consumer goods and cosmetics, including infant powder, adult body powder, and powder for the face and body.
But some talc contains asbestos in its natural state, which is known to cause lung cancer when inhaled and there are also concerns about a potential connection between talcum powder and cancer cantered on whether women who use it frequently in the genital region have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer.
J&J was compelled to switch to corn starch, due to the number of court proceedings it had to deal with
Due to the overwhelming number of court proceedings J&J had to deal with, they were compelled to switch to corn starch. There are almost 40,000 lawsuits filed by women against the firm in various jurisdictions.
It added that corn starch-based baby powder is currently available in many nations throughout the world. “As part of a worldwide portfolio assessment, we have made the commercial decision to migrate to an entirely corn starch-based baby powder portfolio,” the statement stated.
Switching to corn starch powder carries some risks as well
The baby powder would now be made using corn starch rather than talc. For the past two years, this formulation has been offered on the marketplaces in the US and Canada. This modification was also put out in May of this year, but the shareholders turned it down.
However, switching to corn starch powder carries some risks as well. Surgical gloves are also treated with this powder.
Despite long-standing evidence of some of the asbestos’ negative effects, a lack of agreement made its outlaw challenging. The mineral, which is contained in all talc-based powders, is used by many people for personal hygiene as well as by babies to avoid diaper rash.
