Why Is Talc A Problem For Black Women?

Talc is the uninvited Real Housewive that shows up in all the powder related products.

Even in the powder products that are made for our little queens. Look no further than this recent publication. Studies found talc and asbestos in over 2,000 makeup products sold in the past two years.

So what is talc? And why is it a problem?

Talc is a mineral. That’s the basic answer. It’s used to absorb moisture in powder products.

The problem starts because talc is not a pure mineral. Talc is actually 40% talc and 60% various asbestos minerals.

Basically that means talc is naturally contaminated with asbestos from the get-go. We all know (or at least should know) that asbestos is linked to cancer because it is a known human carcinogen.

To take it one step further, most of the talc mined in the United States comes from the mines that were previously used to take asbestos from.

Talc — and the tag-along asbestos — are known to cause respiratory issues, cancer, and organ toxicity — such as in the stomach, lungs and heart.

Asbestos has been linked to both ovarian and lung cancer. Many studies have indicated that the inhalation of talc can cause mesothelioma later in life.

That’s the issue I keep revisiting. These product ingredients may not show immediate harm, but those long term effects, y’all….

So where is it?

You can find talc in:

• Baby powder
• Eye shadow
• Lotion
• Feminine hygiene products
• Foundation
• Lipstick
• Face masks

Do you have a talc story?

Or a talc-free product you love?

Choose you, choose safer.