At Peekaboo, we want to present just the facts ma'am! We don't buy into scare tactics and we don't sell 'em. The job of this blog is to decifer the true threats from the inflated threats. For this reason, we encourage dialogue. If you can offer detailed studies to back up or disprove a claim discussed here, please share! And as always, thanks for visiting.
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Did you know that most pediatricians do not recommend using baby powder to powder baby's bum? In fact, many in medical field do not recommend baby powder to powder adult bums.
Inhalation is the primary reason and is 2-fold. First, inhaling baby powder could cause aspiration. I can attest to this claim after watching my husband nearly choke to death from inhaling Anti-Monky Butt Powder.
Second, most baby powders contain talc. Inhaling the talc in baby powder could cause breathing problems later. Some have even tried to link lung cancer to talcum powder, though the claims that I've seen don't seem to have much evidence to back them up. That doesn't mean it couldn't be a factor. The one thing that most do agree on is that talc, when ground into a fine substance to use as a powder, contains minute fibers that appear similar to asbestos. These small particles can be carried airborn easier and could possibly reach the smallest parts of the lungs easier when inhaled.
The last reason for concern has to do with direct application to the skin. Use of talcum powder has been suspected as a potential risk factor for ovarian cancer. In all my research, this theory seems to have the most evidence to back it up. It is still a controversial theory because several of the factors in these studies are seen as questionable. It is also important to note on a baby planning blog that these studies include women who have used talcum powder (down 'der) for up to 30 years.
Study on effects of Talcum Powder: Study on effect of Talcum Powder
From American Cancer Society: Talcum Powder and Cancer
Below is a helpful statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Baby Powder is most used by families with the belief that it will help keep the baby's skin dry from urine and free from rashes. Although powder may have helped in the past, diapers are so absorbent today that moisture is usually not a problem. Baby powder in theory can be inhaled into a baby's airway and cause laryngospasm or trigger wheezing in a susceptible child. In general, it is wise to precaution parents to only use powders sparingly, if at all, and to make sure to shake the powder into the caregivers hands first and away from the baby's face.