A Response to the Recent Johnson & Johnson Cancer Lawsuits
Now, most of us have heard about the lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson over the past few years, for the alleged relationship between talc in baby powder to Ovarian Cancers. There are over 1000 cases filed against the company, and payouts of over 750 million dollars have been awarded to cases that have won to show the relationship between long-term use of talc and cancers. There are some reports where the lawyers were not able to provide sufficient evidence, but the large discrepancy and payout for this potentially causal relationship is saddening.
https://www.thestar.com/business/2017/08/21/johnson-johnson-ordered-to-pay-417-million-in-lawsuit-linking-baby-powder-to-cancer.html
So what is Talc?
It is a mineral combination of Magnesium, Silicon and Oxygen that can act to absorb moisture and prevent rash formation. It's very silky in texture and acts to provide a desired texture in cosmetic products. In it's natural form it contains asbestos, however the commercial products now do not contain any asbestos. It has been a long-standing controversial substance, but is also thought to be safe for the most part.
What are some long-term choices we can make in what we put on babies skin?
Now after seeing such news, I feel that it is not warranted to be fearful of harmful agents in baby products, as there are so many ingredients flagged by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and proponents of healthy living like David Suzuki who are advocates of making healthy choices.
My perspective is to be mindful of what we are using on a daily basis, to keep our daily usages to be free from commercially marketed, synthetic products as best we can, and to remain focused on finding holistic, balanced solutions. We are living in a time where the acute epidemic type diseases have lessened, however, the chronic debilitating or quality of life altering diseases are more rampant than ever.
What choices can we make to alter the quality of life for the better, for ourselves and our kids? That's what I ask myself when I feel for the unassuming consumers affected by synthetic cosmetics, foods and chemicals so that I may make my small contribution to lessen the exposure we have to various synthetic substances.
Babies have a super soft, permeable and sensitive skin that needs as much TLC as we can provide it.
Now I feel my choices begins at home, so I've made the decision to use as many whole, harmless chemical-free baby products and I want to start this process by sharing with you a recipe for a baby powder alternative. To be honest, I find that I don't need a powder to be used at all, as I dry my little one off and let him air dry before clothing him, and avoid leaving anything that may cause excess moisture to remain on his skin. But there are certainly instances when a drying agent will be of benefit, especially if you are seeing a lot of rashes occurring.
Some alternative options
See below for some options you can either purchase or make your selves:
BABY POWDER DIY RECIPE
Here are some options found at the Health food stores and online for purchase:
1. Nature's Baby Organics
Organic Ingredients: Tapioca Starch, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) Extract.
2. Anointment Natural Skin Care
Ingredients: Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder*, Kaolin, Althea Offinalis Root*, Achillea Millefolium Flower*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil. *Certified organic ingredients
3. Baby Hugo Naturals
Ingredients: Zea mays (corn) starch , simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, tocopherol, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter.
These are just a few that are available for those who'd prefer to purchase a ready made product. But all the ingredients used are readily available and the combinations can be made yourself as well.
More information
For more information on the developing research on Talc, visit the American Cancer Society website. At the current time, they are continuing to do research on it's use and effects, with mixed results. However, they have stated that asbestos containing talc is definitive carcinogen, and that the current talc forms are being studied for long term effects.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer.html
