The history of talcum powder began in the year 1882 when American pharmacist, author, and public health activist Dr. Frederick B. Kilmer suggested using scented Italian talcum powder on a patient suffering from skin irritations after using medicated plasters.
Frederick B. Kilmer was the first director of scientific affairs at Johnson and Johnson, and soon Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Powder began to be used by mothers as an effective way to prevent diaper rash and other minor skin irritations.
The brand continued to grow in popularity, and today Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Powder has been around for more than a century, used by generations of families around the world.
However, in December 2018, this trusted brand came under the scanner when the Drug Controller General of India regulator ordered a halt to production Johnson’s baby powder amid allegations that their talc was contaminated with asbestos – a toxic, carcinogenic mineral. This fuelled speculations that the use of Johnson and Johnson baby powder caused cancer.
India’s apex drug regulator barred the company from using raw material for its talcum powder from its manufacturing plants in Mulund in Maharashtra and Baddi in Himachal Pradesh. The drug inspectors began testing samples both from its manufacturing sites and markets all over India. As part of the investigative process, all other baby products were also tested for their ingredients and the use of preservatives.
This Johnson and Johnson baby powder cancer news soon spread across the media, and many users were left feeling unsure about the safety of Johnson’s products for their babies. The looming question on every parent’s mind was, does baby powder cause cancer? And was this Johnson baby powder cancer news true?
However, barely two months after the allegations, all government-sanctioned testing reaffirmed and proved that the products did not contain asbestos and that the Johnson and Johnson baby powder cancer news is not true.
According to a statement released by the company, “Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder is safe and asbestos-free. Studies of more than 100,000 men and women show that talc does not cause cancer or asbestos-related disease. Thousands of independent tests by regulators and the world’s leading labs prove our baby powder has never contained asbestos.”
Speaking to the media, a company spokesperson added, “We stand behind the safety of our talc, which is routinely tested by both suppliers and independent labs to ensure it is free of asbestos.”
Confirming this news, India’s leading publication – The Times of India reported that regulatory authorities from Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait and Egypt in recent months have also reaffirmed the purity of Johnson & Johnson’s talc.
The company also assured all consumers about the safety of their products by issuing an ad that said, “This conclusion reinforces the findings of decades of independent tests by universities, research labs and government regulators around the world that have consistently found our talc is safe.”
Ubiquitous to millions of homes, the iconic white Johnson’s powder bottle has been around for more than 125 years and safely used by mothers and baby caretakers across the world. The company has always maintained its stance on absolute talc purity and has always put health and safety first. During the investigation process, not only did the company authorities fully cooperate to help debunk the Johnson baby powder cancer news, but they also provided information as old as dating back to the 1960s.
With Government-sanctioned testing reaffirming that the product does not contain asbestos and the baseless Johnson and Johnson baby powder cancer news finally proven wrong, the company is now working on putting all the speculations to rest and regaining the trust of parents regarding the quality and safety of their products. With the DCGI order being lifted, the company has also resumed the production in its manufacturing plants in Mulund and Baddi.
In recent times, regarding Johnson baby powder cancer news, the company has released many science-backed studies on a website called www.factsabouttalc.com, which provides information about the talc and its safety for babies.
Today, Johnson and Johnson continue to work towards their commitment to providing the best quality products for babies. Continuing their more than 125-year-old legacy of quality and safety, Johnson & Johnson have always strived to better their products. The brand has consistently worked towards creating a newer range of products that use the purest ingredients to create the safest and gentlest products for babies’ delicate skin.
According to recent reports, Johnson & Johnson continue to remain the undisputed leader in baby care products not only in India but also all over the world. With various experts, medical and regulatory authorities proving all allegations wrong, it can be concluded that Johnson baby powder is pure and completely safe to use on your baby’s delicate skin.
