The brand familiar to many Malaysian households,  Johnson & Johnson talcum powder which has been used for over a 100 years, a new scientific study has shown that the use of talc could increase of ovarian cancer if used in the genital area.

Talcum powder is often used on newborn babies until they are in their early teens, in Asia or our own culture every household will have a bottle or two when they are used after a bath. An affordable baby care item that’s included in gift baskets, talcum powder is associated with fresh, clean and fragrant. In white status-obsessed Asia, darker skinned children and even adults often powder themselves with talcum to look fairer.

Scientist who dismissed the use of the talc came to the conclusion on the evidence of asbestos in the powder, a harmful substance that cause serious harm. Talc based products are required to be asbestos free since 1970, J&J insists its products are asbestos free. Legal suits are piling up in the courts as women who have ovarian cancer seek damage from the use over the years.

The  company said it will be discontinuing 100 over products from its line, including the Johnson & Johnson baby talcum powder. It noted that this will be only in US and other countries will continue to have them on the shelves.